Senator Shuaib Salisu, representing Ogun Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, has issued a stark warning about the rising trend of cybercrime among Nigerian youths, stating that the country is "doomed" if urgent measures are not taken to address this growing problem.

Speaking at a capacity workshop for Baales in Egbaland, Abeokuta, Senator Salisu condemned the prevalent "yahoo-yahoo" phenomenon, expressing concern over its negative impact on Nigeria's future and the educational culture among young people.

"This country is at risk if we don't reverse the dangerous trend we are seeing among our youths," Salisu warned. "Too many young people now go to uncles and aunties not to seek help with school fees but to buy phones or laptops for cybercrime."

The former Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun attributed the troubling trend to society's shift toward instant gratification and the weakening culture of education and learning among the youth population.

Call for Educational Reform

Senator Salisu emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the school curriculum to include skills relevant to the digital age. He specifically mentioned the importance of incorporating artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital literacy into educational programs.

"We must change that mindset. Education remains the greatest form of empowerment," he stated, underscoring the importance of education as a tool for positive societal transformation.

However, the Senator cautioned that curriculum reforms alone would be insufficient without significant investment in teacher training. "The curriculum must evolve to meet global realities but we also need to equip our teachers to deliver it. Many of them are not keeping pace with the changes," he added.

This call for action comes amid growing concerns about Nigeria's global reputation regarding internet fraud and cybercrime activities, which have led to increased scrutiny of Nigerian nationals in international financial transactions and visa applications.

The Senator's warning aligns with recent efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force to combat cybercrime, with several high-profile arrests and prosecutions of both Nigerians and foreigners involved in such activities across the country.