The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement has warned student leaders in Ekiti State against shielding individuals involved in cybercrime, stressing that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) must never be used as a cover for fraudulent activities.
The warning was issued during a virtual meeting held on the NANS Ekiti General Platform, where the presidential aide engaged student leaders from across the state on issues affecting student leadership, accountability, and security.
Addressing participants, the presidential aide commended student leaders for promoting peace, unity, and constructive dialogue, noting that the shift from protests to active engagement with government had strengthened collaboration and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s developmental vision for Ekiti State.
He, however, declared that no student leader should be involved in internet fraud or any other criminal activity, warning that anyone arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would bear full responsibility for their actions.
He emphasized that neither NANS nor any student body would defend or protect individuals engaged in cybercrime.
The presidential aide also announced that only duly elected executives of NANS, the National Association of University Students (NAUS), and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) are authorized to use official student leadership plate numbers or identification.
He directed non-executives to immediately remove such items.
He further urged Student Union Government (SUG) presidents across tertiary institutions in Ekiti State to cooperate with the EFCC during lawful operations on campuses and cautioned against obstructing law enforcement officers.
According to him, any student leader found defending, protecting, or resisting the arrest of suspected internet fraudsters would face disciplinary measures and possible prosecution.
Describing student leadership as a position of trust, he urged leaders to be role models by obeying the law and promoting integrity within the student community.
He concluded by describing NANS as a heritage that must be protected, calling on student leaders to preserve the organization’s credibility by distancing themselves from criminal elements.
The meeting ended with the presidential aide formally welcoming the EFCC to Ekiti State and expressing optimism that the agency’s operations would help foster accountability, discipline, and a safer environment across tertiary institutions
