All crimes performed or resorted to by abuse of computer network or Internet with the purpose of influencing the functioning of the computer system and also for financial gains are referred to as cybercrime. This paper examines different types of cybercrimes that are frequent in Nigeria and also checks the rate at which these crimes are carried out by the use of academic institution networks as the access point. Data was obtained through questionnaires and analyzed. Some of the findings show that the Yahoo Boys attack is very popular even in the academia and that students are the most active participants in cybercrime in the Nigerian institution networks. It is also found that it is possible to create a taxonomy of scams and scammers and develop tools, measures, campaigns and laws that will hurt their bottom line.

Computer interconnectivity and Internet networks have revolutionized the way that our governments, academic institutions and much of the world communicate and conduct businesses/researches in Nigeria. The benefits have been massive and the increased usage of the world wide web has also enabled a dramatic rise in criminal activity that exploits this interconnectivity for prohibited financial gains. Efforts to address Internet crime include activities associated with defending networks and data, detecting criminal activities, inquiring into crime and taking legal action against criminals.

Cyberspace security is crucial for maintaining the continuity of these vital services and for preserving the public's trust in information systems. It requires new levels of communication and cooperation, not only among government agencies and departments but also between academic institutions and the private sector. It involves protecting critical infrastructures from intrusion or attack as well as using the infrastructure as a tool with which law-enforcement institutions, and defense and public-health agencies can gather, analyze and disseminate information.

The use of Information and Communication (ICT) has fundamentally revolutionized societies. All sectors are affected by the dramatic spread of these technologies that bring with them both good and bad effects. On the other hand, there are new types of crimes as well as the commission of traditional crimes by means of ICTs, irrespective of our national boundaries. Cases of pornography, Internet offences such as unlawful fund transactions, the offer of unlawful services, hazardous computer worms and viruses, etc., are increasing world wide. Although recently Internet criminality has been fast spreading in the developing countries, evidence has shown that the countries lack the technology, legal instruments and manpower to deal with these new crimes. Therefore, there is the need to better understand the evolution of Internet criminality on the continent and to support research contributing to generate awareness among stakeholders and local capacities in these countries.

Information Technology Journal, Cybercrimes, Nigerian Academic Institution Networks, Cyberspace Security, Internet Networks, Government Agencies, Internet Crimes, Commercial Laws, Electronic Platform, Globalization, Financial Crimes, Internet Crime Techniques, Pornographic Sites, Cyber Stalking, Cyber Defamation, Cyber Plagiarism.