THE EFFECT OF CYBERCRIME IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS (A CASE OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA)

ABSTRACT The study examined the effect of cybercrime in tertiary institutions in Delta State. The population of this study comprises 100 students in Owa-Oyibu Campus, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State. The data collected in the study was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The finding revealed that respondents agreed students are involved in stalking. Students monitor other student’s social media activity without their consent, creates fake accounts to follow, message, or harass someone online, and engages in online stalking out of curiosity or jealousy. The finding also revealed that respondents agreed students are involved in cyber phishing. Thirdly, the finding revealed that gender plays a role in the type of cybercrime students are involved in. Male students are more likely than female students to engage in cybercrime. The finding revealed that institution type plays a role in the type of cybercrime students are involved in. Students in private institutions are less likely to engage in cybercrime. The findings of this study highlight the increasing involvement of students in cyber-related offenses such as stalking and phishing. The influence of gender and institution type further underscores the need for differentiated strategies to curb these practices. While some students engage in cybercrime for curiosity or social reasons, the lack of awareness and digital literacy appears to be a central factor. Therefore, educational institutions should intensify digital ethics education, enhance policy enforcement, and provide targeted cybercrime prevention programs, especially in public institutions.