The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions across the country to expel any student found guilty, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or other criminal activities.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the directive during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, at his office in Abuja.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah.
Alausa also instructed heads of tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies as part of efforts to improve campus security and protect students.
“If you tolerate bad behaviour for too long, it becomes a culture. Any student found culpable, after due investigation, of planning or participating in the kidnapping of fellow students has no place in our tertiary institutions. Such individuals must be dismissed,” the minister said.
“Our campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements. Government has a duty to protect innocent citizens and preserve our institutions as centres of learning and excellence,” he added.
While maintaining that Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe, Alausa said recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses underscore the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer cooperation with security agencies.
“We have a collective responsibility to protect every Nigerian child, from primary school to tertiary education. While our campuses remain safe, we must continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and work closely with our security agencies to ensure that students are protected both within and outside our institutions,” he said.
The minister disclosed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), to develop a coordinated strategy for strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and enhancing the security of learners nationwide.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the leadership and resources needed to improve national security while advancing reforms in the education sector, noting that the administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education in a safe learning environment.
Alausa also reiterated the President’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that such payments only encourage criminal activities and undermine efforts to tackle insecurity.
He urged governing councils and heads of tertiary institutions to establish effective internal intelligence mechanisms, sustain close collaboration with the DSS and other security agencies, and take decisive action against individuals who threaten the safety of students.
On infrastructure, the minister announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s (TETFund) 2027 intervention programme, including perimeter fencing and other critical security facilities.
He encouraged eligible institutions to submit proposals early for consideration.
Alausa also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, explaining that institutions requiring additional electricity capacity could benefit from expanded solar power infrastructure and increased battery storage.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Lola Akande, commended the minister for his continued support for the institution while highlighting challenges including inadequate student hostel accommodation, power supply to Campus Two and insecurity.
She disclosed that some students were suspected to be involved in kidnapping activities carried out outside the university, adding that recent incidents had raised concerns.
Akande also stressed that the institution opposes the payment of ransom for kidnapped victims, warning that doing so would further embolden criminal groups.
