The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions across the country to immediately dismiss any student found culpable, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or related criminal activities.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a meeting with the pro-chancellor, governing council and management of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja.
According to a statement 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 to enhance campus security.
“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 Nigerian campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements and reiterated the government’s responsibility to protect lives and preserve institutions as centres of learning.
While noting that universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe, Alausa said recent incidents involving students outside campuses highlight the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with security agencies.
The minister disclosed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), to develop a coordinated strategy for strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and improving the protection of learners nationwide.
He also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that government institutions must not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that doing so only emboldens criminal groups.
To further strengthen security, Alausa announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the TETFund 2027 intervention programme, including perimeter fencing and other critical security infrastructure.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power to improve electricity supply in higher institutions through additional solar infrastructure and battery storage.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, identified insecurity, student accommodation and power supply as key challenges facing the institution.
She also disclosed that some students were suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities carried out off campus and maintained that the institution strongly opposes the payment of ransom to secure the release of victims, warning that it only encourages further criminality.
