The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts across Nigeria to immediately expel any student found culpable of kidnapping or related crimes after a thorough investigation.
Speaking during a meeting with the pro-chancellor, governing council and management of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja, Alausa said tertiary institutions must not become breeding grounds for criminal activities.
“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.
He stressed that the Federal Government is determined to keep campuses safe and ordered all tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems while working closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
Although he maintained that Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe, Alausa said recent isolated cases involving students outside campuses highlight the need for stronger intelligence gathering and improved security collaboration.
The minister disclosed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), to develop a coordinated strategy to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative and improve protection for learners nationwide.
Alausa also reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, warning that such actions only encourage criminal activities and weaken efforts to tackle insecurity.
To improve campus security, he announced that the Federal Government will support security projects, including perimeter fencing and other critical infrastructure, through the TETFund 2027 intervention programme. He urged eligible institutions to submit proposals early for consideration.
The minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, enabling institutions requiring additional electricity to benefit from expanded solar power generation and battery storage.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, commended the ministry for its continued support while highlighting challenges facing the institution, including inadequate hostel accommodation, power supply to Campus 2 and insecurity.
Akande revealed that some students were suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities carried out outside the campus. She also maintained that the institution strongly opposes paying ransom for kidnapped victims, warning that it only emboldens criminals.
