NANS Disputes EFCC Claim: Denies Students' Involvement in Cybercrimes

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly rebuked the recent assertion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that seven out of ten Nigerian students are engaged in cybercrimes. NANS, represented by its Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, labeled the EFCC's claim as baseless and lacking empirical evidence.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NANS condemned the EFCC's assertion, stating, "The baseless assertion not only tarnishes the reputation of our hardworking and dedicated student community but also lacks any empirical basis." The association emphasized that such sweeping statements are damaging, perpetuate harmful stereotypes, and are an injustice to the majority of students committed to academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

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The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had previously stated, "It is worrisome that seven out of ten students today are involved in cyber crimes." NANS called on the anti-graft boss to either provide concrete evidence supporting the claim or retract the statement immediately. Babatunde reiterated NANS' commitment to fostering a positive and conducive environment for learning, growth, and development, emphasizing the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

The association urged constructive dialogue and collaboration to address concerns related to criminal activities without unfairly stigmatizing an entire group of students. NANS called for a retraction of the EFCC's statement and emphasized the importance of addressing crime without perpetuating damaging stereotypes.