CYBERCRIME VULNERABILITY AND RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN BAMIDELE OLUMILUA UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (BOUESTI), IKERE-EKITI, NIGERIA

This study investigated Cybercrime Vulnerability and Recruitment Strategies among Undergraduates in Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria. The increasing incidence of cybercrime among young people has become a major concern due to its adverse effects on individuals, educational institutions, and national development. The study sought to examine the factors that expose undergraduates to cybercrime recruitment, identify the recruitment strategies employed by cybercriminals, assess the influence of social media and peer groups on students' involvement in cybercrime, and recommend practical measures for preventing cybercrime among university students. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised undergraduate students of BOUESTI, while a structured questionnaire was used as the primary instrument for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviation. The study was anchored on Routine Activity Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Strain Theory, which provided a theoretical explanation for students' vulnerability to cybercrime recruitment. The findings revealed that financial hardship, unemployment, peer influence, desire for quick wealth, inadequate parental supervision, and low cybersecurity awareness are major factors contributing to cybercrime vulnerability among undergraduates. The study further found that cybercriminals recruit students through social media platforms, online communities, peer networks, online mentorship, and promises of financial rewards. Social media was identified as a significant channel for communication and recruitment due to its accessibility and widespread use among university students. The findings also showed that increased cybersecurity awareness and ethical digital education significantly reduce students' susceptibility to cybercrime recruitment. The study concluded that cybercrime recruitment among undergraduates is driven by a combination of social, economic, psychological, and technological factors. It therefore recommended that universities should integrate cybersecurity education and cyber ethics into their curricula, organize regular awareness campaigns, strengthen student counseling services, provide entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime. The study also recommended that parents, government, and other stakeholders should work together to promote responsible internet use and create an enabling environment that discourages youth involvement in cybercrime.