By Bosun Obafemi
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions across Nigeria to expel any student found culpable, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or related criminal activities.
The directive forms part of a broader Federal Government strategy to strengthen security on campuses and prevent higher institutions from becoming safe havens for criminal elements.
A statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, said Alausa gave the directive during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, in Abuja.
“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. Our campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements,” the minister said.
He directed heads of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to establish effective internal intelligence systems and strengthen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to enhance the safety of students and staff.
While describing Nigerian campuses as largely safe, Alausa said recent isolated incidents involving students outside school premises underscore the need for greater vigilance and improved intelligence gathering.
“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,” he said.
The minister disclosed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and improving security nationwide.
He also reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that doing so only emboldens criminal groups and undermines national security efforts.
To further improve campus security, Alausa announced that the Federal Government would support perimeter fencing and other security infrastructure in tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) 2027 intervention programme. He urged eligible institutions to submit proposals early for consideration.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, enabling more institutions to benefit from enhanced solar-powered electricity infrastructure.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Lola Akande, commended the Federal Government for its support to the institution but identified insecurity, inadequate hostel accommodation and power supply to Campus Two as major challenges.
She disclosed that some students were suspected to be involved in kidnapping activities carried out off campus, adding that the institution strongly opposes the payment of ransom, warning that it only encourages further criminality.
