Olukoyede: EFCC Secures 10,872 Convictions, Recovers N1.288trn in Three Years
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that the Commission secured 10,872 convictions and recovered monetary assets valued at over N1.288 trillion within the last three years.
He made the disclosure on Thursday, November 12, 2026, while delivering a guest lecture at the induction ceremony of 45 engineering graduates of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Speaking on the theme, “Integrity, Accountability and the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes: Building a Culture of Transparency and Responsibility in Nigeria,” Olukoyede called on the graduates to embrace integrity, accountability and transparency in their professional and personal lives.
He described integrity as an essential requirement for responsible leadership and national development, warning that corruption remained a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic and social progress.
The EFCC chairman particularly challenged engineers to maintain professional ethics in executing projects, noting that dishonesty and compromised standards in infrastructure development could put human lives at risk.
He explained that professionals who lack integrity could manipulate contracts, falsify records, divert public resources and approve poorly executed projects.
“Where there is integrity, no public official will embezzle public funds, and where there is integrity, no engineer will certify a poorly executed project,” Olukoyede stated.
He observed that Nigeria’s development challenges were partly rooted in corruption, weak public accountability and the mismanagement of the country’s enormous natural and human resources.
While highlighting the Commission’s enforcement achievements, Olukoyede stressed that the fight against corruption could not be won through investigation and prosecution alone.
He said lasting progress required a change in societal values and collective commitment to ethical conduct.
According to him, the EFCC has adopted a preventive strategy through its Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) department, which examines systemic weaknesses in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) capable of facilitating fraudulent activities.
The anti-graft agency’s chairman also warned young Nigerians against cybercrime, identity theft, internet fraud and other financial crimes, urging the graduates to protect their professional reputations and future careers.
He further revealed that the EFCC was establishing a Cybercrime Research Centre at its academy in Abuja to strengthen research, training and fraud prevention, while redirecting young people towards legitimate and productive activities.
Olukoyede called on parents, universities, religious organisations, traditional institutions and professional associations to play active roles in building a society anchored on integrity and accountability.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Babatunde Omojola, said the induction ceremony demonstrated BOUESTI’s commitment to producing graduates who combine professional competence with ethical responsibility.
He noted that universities had a responsibility to equip students with relevant knowledge, practical skills and moral values to address emerging societal challenges, particularly in the rapidly changing technological environment.
Omojola urged the newly inducted engineers to uphold the standards of their profession, justify the institution’s confidence in them and use their expertise to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He also praised Olukoyede for his contributions to the fight against corruption and appreciated him for accepting the university’s invitation.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Engr. S.A. Akinola, described the induction as an important occasion for the university and the engineering profession.
He said the faculty’s vision was built around knowledge, responsibility and partnership, adding that engineering education must equip students with practical skills and innovative thinking beyond classroom learning.
Akinola disclosed that students were already undertaking innovative projects in sensor-based systems, automation, solar energy and other technology-driven areas.
He added that the faculty was working towards establishing an engineering innovation scale-up facility, modern workshops and collaborative learning spaces to improve students’ exposure to modern engineering technologies.
The dean appealed to professional bodies, government institutions, corporate organisations and development partners to collaborate with the faculty in advancing engineering education and innovation.
Alternative headline options
EFCC Boss Olukoyede Charges 45 Engineering Graduates to Shun Corruption
Olukoyede Warns Engineers Against Compromising Professional Standards
EFCC Records 10,872 Convictions, Recovers N1.288trn in Three Years
Olukoyede Tasks Engineering Graduates on Integrity, Accountability
EFCC Boss Advocates Value Reorientation, Discloses N1.288trn Asset Recovery
My recommendation: Use Version 1 for a general news report on the induction ceremony. Version 2 is stronger if you want to lead with the EFCC’s enforcement achievements.
