UNILORIN, EFCC have Common Goal, Says VC Prof. Egbewole

Jun 29, 2024 - 16:54

UNILORIN, EFCC have Common Goal, Says VC Prof. Egbewole

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has stated that the University’s commitment to eradicating economic crimes, examination malpractices, and other vices aligns with the objectives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which aim to rid Nigeria of economic crimes.

The Vice Chancellor stated this last Thursday (June 20, 2024) when he visited the new Zonal Director of the Ilorin Zonal Office of the EFCC, Mr Harry Erin. He noted that Unilorin and the EFCC have maintained a positive relationship over the years, which has fostered a synergy that has led to significant developments for both organisations.

Prof. Egbewole praised the EFCC for its instrumental role in assisting the University in tracking and combating economic crimes within its domain.

The Vice Chancellor said, “EFCC has been of great help to Unilorin because the agency has assisted us in tracking some economic crimes”, adding that “economic crime is a cankerworm that must be eradicated from the Nigerian system. We share practically the same goal because, when we work together, we can provide society with a clean environment.”

Prof. Egbewole, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (FSPSP), also commended the Zonal Director of the EFCC, noting his exemplary leadership and positive representation of the agency.

He said, “The immediate past Zonal Director established a wonderful relationship with us, and we believe Mr. Harry will surpass his achievements.”

The Vice Chancellor expressed his appreciation for the warm reception by the EFCC officials, which, he noted, contradicted the public perception of the agency. “The reception shows you are civil despite the demanding nature of your job,” he remarked.

In his remarks, the Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Erin, commended the committed staff of the University of Ilorin for their assistance in the agency’s operations. He noted that their support has been pivotal in the seizure of over 20 trucks from illegal miners in Kwara State over the past two weeks.

The EFCC boss said the operation has led to a situation where illegal miners are leaving Kwara State while serious miners have been moving their businesses to the state.

Mr. Erin explained the EFCC’s desire for continued collaboration with the Most Outstanding University in Nigeria, in recognition of the institution’s significant role in aiding investigations.

The EFCC Zonal Director praised the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Egbewole, for his efforts in keeping the commission’s officials vigilant and proactive, saying, “People like Prof. Egbewole are challenging the officials of the commission to be on their toes”.

Mr Erin emphasised the EFCC’s mission to create a paradigm shift and enhance national consciousness. He added that the anti-graft agency focuses on the prevention of crimes in Nigeria through ongoing media advocacy to educate Nigerians, especially the youth, about the destructive impact of corruption. “Corruption is destroying our future, and that is why we are emphasising prevention through serious and continuous media advocacy,” Mr Erin added.

While lamenting that the rate of crimes in Nigeria does not correspond with the prosecution and eventual punishment of perpetrators, Mr Erin said, “In Nigeria, we talk about crime every day, but we have not deemed it fit to talk about prosecuting the perpetrators. One of our problems is that Nigerians are united in crime.”

The EFCC boss criticised the Nigerian elite for their united front when it comes to obstructing investigations into economic crimes.The EFCC boss said, “The elite in Nigeria from the South, West, East, and North are all united when it comes to crime. They don’t want suspects to be investigated. But when it comes to good things that will help the country grow, you see them becoming enemies all of a sudden.” He added that the commission’s efforts continue to focus on not only tackling crime but also ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice, in order to foster a system that works efficiently for the betterment of the Nigerian society.