The inaugural seminar of the Association of Cyber Security Practitioners (ACSP) concluded with a compelling call for Nigeria to turn cybercrime talent into a force for national cybersecurity advancement.
Delivering a keynote address titled “From Yahoo Boys to Cybersecurity Experts: Redirecting Youth Talent for National Development,” Professor Jonathan Tsetimi of Delta State University urged the government to adopt a strategic approach that views “Yahoo Boys” not merely as criminals, but as potential assets in strengthening Nigeria’s cyber defense.
Speaking to over 670 participants from Nigeria, Africa, and the United States, Prof. Tsetimi emphasized that the digital ingenuity behind cybercrime could be redirected through structured reform and education.
> “The technical aptitude seen among these youths—social engineering, network probing, and rapid digital adaptation—represents a sovereign asset,” he said. “We can’t solve this issue through punishment alone. What we need is a national framework to convert this talent into a cybersecurity workforce.”
He proposed a three-step model of Redirection, Education, and Empowerment, which includes:
Establishing Cybersecurity Skill Centres via public-private partnerships for intensive re-skilling programs.
Creating a National Cyber-Corps Initiative to absorb reformed youths into critical security and technology roles.
Introducing Conditional Amnesty Programs for non-violent offenders who complete certified cybersecurity training and national service.
Prof. Tsetimi noted that such initiatives could significantly reduce cyber threats, boost economic growth, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in cybersecurity innovation.
The seminar, chaired by Professor Monioluwa Olaniyi, featured key figures including ACSP Founder Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola and ACSP President Professor Isaac Odesola.
Participants unanimously agreed that Nigeria’s cybersecurity strategy must evolve—from punishment to transformation—by channeling digital talent toward national security and economic development.
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