ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has cautioned that Nigeria is grappling with a profound moral and systemic crisis following claims by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede, that about six out of every 10 university students are engaged in internet fraud.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obi said the allegation, if true, points not only to criminal activity but also to a wider breakdown in values, leadership, and institutional accountability.
He stressed that the claim should not be overlooked, noting that it raises serious concerns about role models, governance, and the moral direction of young Nigerians.
“The worrisome statement by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that 6 out of every 10 Nigerian university students are involved in ‘419’ is deeply troubling and must not be taken lightly,” Obi said.
He warned that with Nigeria’s university population estimated at between 2 and 2.5 million, the country could be facing a major national emergency if the figures are accurate.
“If indeed about 60% of them, roughly 1.4 million young people, are involved in fraud, then we are not just facing a crime issue; we are confronting a serious moral and systemic failure,” he said.
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Obi attributed the alleged trend to a weakening of societal values, arguing that young people often reflect the behaviour they observe from leaders and public institutions.
He said, “When a system appears to reward wrongdoing, when integrity is not upheld, and when those in leadership are associated with allegations of forgery and dishonesty without consequence, it sends a dangerous message.”
The former governor of Anambra State described the situation as indicative of a broader decline in moral standards and called for urgent reflection and reforms at the national level.
He added, “Nigeria must now examine itself. This is not about condemning our young people. It is about accepting that leadership sets the tone.”
Obi emphasised the need to restore integrity in governance and public life, insisting that accountability must be applied fairly to rebuild public confidence.
“If we do not demonstrate integrity at the top, we cannot expect it at the bottom,” he said.
He concluded by urging the country to prioritise rebuilding its value system and fostering an environment that rewards honesty,