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Tag: Nigeria Students

  • EFCC Raises Alarm Over Cybercrime Surge, Says 6 in 10 Nigerian Students Involved in Fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised fresh concerns over the growing involvement of Nigerian university students in cybercrime, with its Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, warning that the trend has reached alarming levels across campuses.

    Olukoyede said investigations by the commission suggest that as many as six out of every 10 students in Nigerian universities are engaged in internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo”. He described the situation as deeply troubling for the country’s education system and future workforce.

    EFCC Boss Speaks at Pro-Chancellors Conference in Kano

    The EFCC chairman made the disclosure at the 8th Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, held in Kano. The event focused on “Unlocking the Potentials of Artificial Intelligence: University Governance, Internationalization and Rankings”.

    He told participants that findings from recent field operations and investigations show a widening pattern of cybercrime involvement among undergraduates. According to him, many of those arrested in recent operations were still students at various institutions.

    Olukoyede said the development reflects a broader breakdown in discipline and oversight within parts of the higher education system.

    “Disturbing Situation” as Students Allegedly Compromise System

    Describing the trend as a “sad development,” the EFCC boss said some students involved in cybercrime have gone as far as compromising academic structures. He alleged that in some cases, lecturers were placed on payrolls by fraud networks operating within campuses.

    He also pointed to a major operation in Lagos where 792 suspects linked to a transnational cybercrime syndicate were arrested. According to him, a significant number of those arrested were university students.

    Olukoyede said the operation, supported by artificial intelligence tools, exposed the scale and sophistication of cybercrime networks operating within and outside Nigeria.

    Rise of “Yahoo Plus” and Deepening Concerns

    The EFCC chairman also warned about the growing trend of “Yahoo Plus,” where internet fraud is allegedly combined with fetish practices. He said the development highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime and its increasing complexity among young people.

    He urged university authorities and governing councils to take urgent action to address the situation, including tighter institutional controls and stronger collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

    Call for AI-Driven Governance in Universities

    Olukoyede called on pro-chancellors to adopt artificial intelligence-driven systems to improve transparency, accountability, and financial management in universities. He noted that many institutions still rely on manual processes, making them vulnerable to fraud.

    He listed areas where AI could be deployed, including payroll management, procurement monitoring, fraud detection, and academic integrity systems. According to him, such tools can help identify suspicious transactions and irregular payments in real time.

    “A university that lacks financial accountability cannot credibly train future professionals. The integrity of our universities is a matter of national security,” he said.

    Technology, Security and Institutional Weaknesses

    The EFCC chairman stressed that while artificial intelligence can improve governance, it must work alongside human oversight and comply with existing laws such as data protection and procurement regulations. He also called for stronger investment in digital infrastructure, including broadband and cloud systems, to support modern governance tools.

    Olukoyede added that the EFCC has already deployed AI in areas such as digital forensics and financial tracking during investigations. However, he emphasised the need for broader capacity building in cybersecurity, machine learning, and digital governance across institutions.

    Rising Cybercrime Trend Sparks Fresh National Concern

    The EFCC warning adds to growing concerns about youth involvement in cybercrime and its impact on Nigeria’s education system and global reputation. While enforcement actions continue, officials say stronger institutional reforms and technology-driven oversight may be necessary to address the scale of the challenge.

    Authorities are expected to deepen collaboration between universities, regulatory bodies, and anti-corruption agencies as pressure mounts to curb the rising trend of internet fraud among students.

  • Nigerian Students in Russia Cry Out Over Unpaid Stipends, Seek Tinubu’s Intervention

    Nigerian students studying in Russia under a bilateral education agreement have raised concerns over their welfare, accusing the government of neglect.

    The affected students, mostly in medicine and engineering programmes, said they have not received stipends since September 2024.

    Hardship Forces Menial Jobs

    According to them, the delay has pushed many into financial distress, forcing them to take up low-paying jobs to survive.

    Some students said they now work on construction sites and other menial roles to meet basic needs.

    “We’re now forced into abject poverty… doing menial jobs like working in construction sites just to survive,” one student said.

    Appeal to Tinubu

    The students have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene by releasing their allowances and improving support systems.

    “We were last paid in September 2024, and till date we haven’t received a dime from the government,” the student added.

    They described the situation as difficult and urged authorities to address their plight before it worsens.

    Concerns Over Bilateral Programme

    The development has raised fresh questions about the management of Nigeria’s bilateral education agreements and student welfare abroad.

    Many of the affected students say they remain committed to their studies but need urgent financial support to continue.

  • Abducted UNIJOS Graduate John Arum Azi Regains Freedom After 10 Days in Captivity

    John Arum Azi, a former student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), has regained his freedom after spending 10 days in captivity after he was abducted while travelling to Kaduna State.

    Abduction on road to Zaria

    Arum, a graduate of Early Childhood Education, was kidnapped by armed men while travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Zaria in Kaduna State.

    His abduction had earlier sparked public outrage after a video surfaced showing him being assaulted by his captors, who demanded a ransom for his release.

    The kidnappers initially demanded ₦30 million, threatening to kill him if the money was not paid.

    Ransom negotiations and increased demands

    Following negotiations with his family, the ransom was reportedly reduced to ₦6 million.

    However, after payment was made with support from well-meaning Nigerians, the abductors allegedly demanded an additional ₦4 million before agreeing to release him.

    The repeated demands further heightened tension around the case and drew widespread condemnation online.

    Freedom after 10 days

    The victim was eventually released on Wednesday after spending about 10 days in captivity.

    A video shared on social media by his family confirmed his release and reunion with loved ones.

    He has since been reunited with his family, bringing relief to relatives and supporters who had followed the case closely.

    Rising insecurity concerns

    The incident adds to growing concerns over kidnappings along major travel routes in parts of northern and central Nigeria, where ransom-related abductions continue to be reported.

  • “I Am Alive” — Abducted UNIJOS Graduate Speaks in New Video as Kidnappers Demand ₦4m Balance

    John Arum, the abducted University of Jos graduate, has appeared in a new video confirming he is alive, dismissing earlier rumours that he had died in captivity.

    The footage, released on April 20, 2026, shows the victim speaking while his captors also addressed the situation and ongoing ransom negotiations.

    Proof of life emerges

    In the video, Arum directly counters the reports circulating online.

    “Today is April 20, 2026 and I am alive,” he said.

    He added that kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million for his release, noting that ₦6 million has already been paid, leaving a balance of ₦4 million.

    Kidnappers issue fresh warning

    The abductors, who also spoke in the clip, warned that any delay in completing the payment could put his life at risk.

    They insisted that the remaining ransom must be paid promptly.

    Earlier fears and viral footage

    The development follows earlier viral footage that sparked widespread concern about Arum’s condition.

    Reports claiming he had died in captivity had circulated online before the latest video surfaced.

    What this means

    The latest video confirms the victim is still alive, while raising fresh urgency around the ransom demand and his possible release.

  • JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Results for Monday Candidates, Expands Daily Batch System

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, April 20, 2026.

    The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by the Board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

    How to check results

    JAMB directed candidates to check their results using its official channels.

    “The results for Monday, 20th, have been released. Candidates can view their results using the usual process,” the statement said.

    Candidates are to send “UTMERESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number used for registration to access their scores.

    Ongoing release pattern

    The board explained that results are being released in batches corresponding to each examination day since the UTME began on April 16.

    So far, results for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday candidates have also been released under the same phased system.

    Delay controversy

    The Friday and Saturday results were released later than expected, despite JAMB earlier promising availability on Saturday.

    The delay triggered frustration among candidates, many of whom waited overnight for updates.

    The board later apologised, citing the absence of its chief executive due to an official engagement.

    Background

    This year’s UTME involves over two million candidates across computer-based test centres nationwide.

    JAMB says the staggered release is part of efforts to maintain accuracy and reduce technical glitches experienced in previous years.

  • Eight Rescued Benue Kidnap Victims Identified as UTME Candidates After Initial Denial

    Eight of the passengers rescued from the Benue Links bus abduction have been confirmed as candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), days after earlier claims suggested otherwise.

    Fresh details on rescued victims

    The victims were among those kidnapped on April 15, 2026, while travelling to Otukpo to sit for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

    They regained freedom early Sunday after spending about three days in captivity, with at least three of them identified as female candidates.

    Arrival in Makurdi

    Following their rescue, the victims were taken to the Benue State Government House in Makurdi by the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari.

    They were accompanied by their parents and guardians ahead of an official reception by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

    Sources said the victims appeared visibly exhausted as documentation processes commenced.

    How the abduction happened

    The incident occurred when gunmen intercepted a state-owned Benue Links bus on Wednesday night, abducting several passengers.

    Many of those taken were reportedly young travellers heading to Otukpo for the UTME.

    Contradiction with earlier claims

    The confirmation that some victims are examination candidates comes after earlier statements by authorities denying that any JAMB candidates were among those abducted.

    The development has raised fresh questions as investigations into the incident continue.

  • JAMB Releases 632,788 UTME Results Hours After Exam, Warns Against Score Manipulation

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the results of 632,788 candidates who sat for the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, with scores made available less than 24 hours after the test.

    The board announced on Friday night that candidates who wrote the exam on Thursday, April 16, can now check their results, marking one of the fastest releases in its history.

    How to check results

    According to JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, candidates are required to send “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number used during registration.

    He clarified that only score viewing is currently available, adding that printing of result slips would be enabled later.

    “At this stage, candidates may view their results only; printing is not yet available,” the statement noted.

    Warning over malpractice

    JAMB also issued a strong warning against result falsification, stressing that manipulating scores or altering official messages is a criminal offence.

    The board disclosed that two candidates and one parent have already been arrested for allegedly using artificial intelligence and other digital tools to falsify UTME results.

    Benjamin warned that offenders would face prosecution, adding that any candidate found guilty of examination malpractice would be dealt with according to the law.

    More results expected

    The 2026 UTME, which began on April 16, is scheduled to run until April 22 across centres nationwide.

    JAMB said additional results would be released in batches as the examination progresses.