Evaluation of Cybercrime and Internet-Related Fraud activities among Undergraduate Students of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo State, Nigeria

Emerging technologies associated with digital transformation, robotic revolution and the pervading Artificial Intelligence, AI has greatly influenced virtually all aspects of human endeavours ranging from polity, education, religious activities, socio-economic aspects to industries and work place. Quite a number of activities, both of positive and negative stance now dominate the cyberspace, hence, increased inter-connectivity for skilling, reskilling and upskilling leading to growth and development. For instance, internet surfing for improved academic activities, legitimate economic activities, multi-tasks encapsulated in gig economy which in no small measure is adding values to lives and job opportunities to the teeming youth population. It is however disheartening that rather than employing the largess of the emerging technologies by Nigerian youth, most of them are tilting towards the negative aspects advertently and inadvertently. It is against this background that this study explores the influence of undergraduates’ involvement in cybercrime and internet-related fraud. Using a phenomenological research design involving mixed method approach, a total of 2024/2025 session 150 ESS 212 Emmanuel Alayande University of Education Oyo undergraduates selected thorough total enumeration to whom Key Informant Interview (KII) and Participant Observer (PO) was conducted constitute sample and instrument for the study while data obtained were subjected to descriptive and quantitative analysis. Findings from the study revealed among others, prevalence of cybercrime and internet-related fraud among the students; factors influencing undergraduate involvement in cybercrime and internet-related fraud are multifaceted; the acts do impinge on students greatly. Devolving from the foregoing, it is imperative that policymakers, educational institutions and other stakeholders in internet related practices in this digital transformation era rise up to taking proactive steps in educating students and general public on the ills of cybercrime and internet-related fraud on cybersecurity and corrupt tendencies as a means of promoting responsible online behaviour capable of countering corruption in Nigeria.