Cybercrime and Computer Science Undergraduate Students in Private Universities in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation

Ifeoma Helen Ayeni Msc, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Adebawojo Bolanle Omolayo Phd, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
Jonathan Chinaka Nwosu Phd, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State

Presentation Abstract

The increasing rate of cybercrimes in Nigeria and other countries of the world has given scholars great concern. Cybercrime, which is a criminal act perpetuated by individuals who have gained expertise in information and communication technology, is a major threat to development. With the successful reduction of the world to a global village via information technology, computer science and its related disciplines have continued to attract more students. Sadly, numbers of these students use their acquired knowledge to perpetuate crimes. And Crimes committed through cyberspace have far reaching effects as its impacts are detrimental to the countries cohesion and development.

The purpose of this study was to explore cybercrime and computer science undergraduate students in private universities in Nigeria. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design with a sample size of 480 students cutting across six (6) private universities in Ogun State. Upon consent, participants were asked to complete the “Intent Towards Internet Fraud Scale" (ITIFS). Data was analyzed using simple percentage, t-test and multiple regression. The participants demonstrated a high intent of engaging in cybercrime. The results indicated no meaningful difference between male and female undergraduates' computer students. Also, age and student level was found to be a significant factor predicting intent to engage in cybercrime.

Thus, the study recommends that the educational system should place as great an emphasis on moral development as it has done in intellectual and social development because this will help shape the minds of students toward productive ventures rather than criminal activities.

 
May 18th, 9:25 AM May 18th, 9:45 AM

Cybercrime and Computer Science Undergraduate Students in Private Universities in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation

Chan Shun 108

The increasing rate of cybercrimes in Nigeria and other countries of the world has given scholars great concern. Cybercrime, which is a criminal act perpetuated by individuals who have gained expertise in information and communication technology, is a major threat to development. With the successful reduction of the world to a global village via information technology, computer science and its related disciplines have continued to attract more students. Sadly, numbers of these students use their acquired knowledge to perpetuate crimes. And Crimes committed through cyberspace have far reaching effects as its impacts are detrimental to the countries cohesion and development.

The purpose of this study was to explore cybercrime and computer science undergraduate students in private universities in Nigeria. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design with a sample size of 480 students cutting across six (6) private universities in Ogun State. Upon consent, participants were asked to complete the “Intent Towards Internet Fraud Scale" (ITIFS). Data was analyzed using simple percentage, t-test and multiple regression. The participants demonstrated a high intent of engaging in cybercrime. The results indicated no meaningful difference between male and female undergraduates' computer students. Also, age and student level was found to be a significant factor predicting intent to engage in cybercrime.

Thus, the study recommends that the educational system should place as great an emphasis on moral development as it has done in intellectual and social development because this will help shape the minds of students toward productive ventures rather than criminal activities.