The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has faulted a statement credited to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, alleging that a majority of Nigerian university students are involved in cybercrime, popularly known as “yahoo yahoo.”

In a statement made available to The Guardian in Ibadan, the Senate President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Usman Adamu Nagwaza, described the claim as “misleading, unfounded and unacceptable,” insisting that it does not reflect the reality of Nigerian students.

Nagwaza said the association, which he described as the apex body representing Nigerian students at home and in the diaspora, was concerned about the implications of such remarks on the image and integrity of students across the country.

He argued that while the student body remains firmly opposed to all forms of financial crimes, it is inappropriate to generalise criminal behaviour to a majority of the student population.

“The claim that six out of ten university students are involved in cybercrime is not only fallacious but also capable of bringing the entire student community into disrepute,” he said.

The NANS leader further criticised what he described as a growing perception that the EFCC’s enforcement efforts are disproportionately focused on cyber-related offences, while high-profile corruption cases involving politically exposed persons appear to receive less visible attention.

He urged the anti-graft agency to refocus its operations in line with its statutory mandate and avoid actions or statements that could be interpreted as selective enforcement.

Nagwaza also called on the EFCC chairman to retract the statement in the interest of fairness and national cohesion, stressing that Nigerian students are largely law-abiding and committed to academic and professional development.

“We support the fight against corruption in all its forms. However, we reject any narrative that unfairly labels Nigerian students as criminals. Such assertions are not only inaccurate but also damaging to the morale and reputation of young people striving to contribute positively to society,” he added.

The student body reiterated its commitment to nation-building, noting that Nigerian youths remain a critical asset in driving innovation, development and global competitiveness.

The EFCC has yet to officially respond to the concerns raised by the student association at the time of filing this report.