The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Nigerian students to embrace integrity and shun all forms of corruption from an early age.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this known during a Career Day event at Nobel Enterprise and Technology School, Fate-Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State. Represented by Ayodele Babatunde, Head of Public Affairs at the Ilorin Zonal Directorate, Olukoyede addressed pupils on the theme “Integrity Pays, Corruption Kills Dreams.”
He described integrity as the most valuable asset a person can possess, warning that corruption not only hinders national growth but also destroys personal dreams and future opportunities.
“A young person who cheats, lies, or steals may think they are being smart, but they are actually killing their own dreams,” he said, urging the students to resist shortcuts in their academics and everyday life.
He stressed that corruption often begins with small acts such as exam malpractice or lying and gradually evolves into larger issues if unchecked.
Olukoyede also called on parents and teachers to lead by example and play active roles in mentoring the younger generation. “Every child is a reflection of the society that raised them,” he said. “It’s time to stop celebrating fraud and start rewarding honesty and hard work.”
The EFCC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to raising a new generation of disciplined, accountable, and value-driven Nigerians.