Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised an alarm over what he described as a deep-rooted moral and structural crisis in Nigeria, following claims that a significant number of university students are involved in internet fraud.
The concern came after the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede, reportedly stated that about six out of every ten university students engage in cybercrime.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obi said that if the allegation proves true, it goes beyond criminal activity and points to a broader breakdown in societal values, leadership, and institutional responsibility.
“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 two and 2.5 million students, the implication of such figures would amount to a national emergency.
“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 decline in societal values, noting that young people often reflect the behaviour they see from those in positions of authority and within 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 Anambra State governor maintained that the situation signals a wider collapse in moral standards and called for urgent national introspection and reform.
He added, “Nigeria must now examine itself. This is not about condemning our young people. It is about accepting that leadership sets the tone.”
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Obi emphasised the need to restore integrity in governance and public life, insisting that accountability must be applied fairly to rebuild trust in the system.
“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 refocus on rebuilding its value system and fostering an environment that rewards honesty, discipline, and hard work.
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Obi’s remarks came amid increasing concern from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the rise of cybercrime among university students.
