The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions across Nigeria to dismiss any student found guilty of involvement in kidnapping or related criminal activities after due investigation.
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 (FULafia) in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the directive forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen campus security and prevent higher institutions from becoming safe havens 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,” Alausa said.
He stressed that government has a responsibility to protect students and preserve tertiary institutions as centres of learning, innovation and excellence.
The minister also instructed heads of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to establish stronger internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies in their respective states.
Although he noted that Nigeria’s tertiary institutions remain largely safe, Alausa said recent isolated incidents involving students outside campus highlight the need for greater vigilance.
“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 stated.
The minister disclosed that he recently met with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and improving security for learners nationwide.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting ongoing reforms in the education sector and providing resources to enhance national security.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s policy that public institutions must not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that such payments encourage further criminal activity.
“Government institutions should not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers because doing so only emboldens criminal elements,” he said.
To improve security infrastructure, the minister announced that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will include security enhancement projects in its 2027 intervention programme.
He said eligible institutions would be able to access funding for projects such as perimeter fencing, surveillance infrastructure and other critical security facilities, urging institutions to submit proposals early.
Alausa also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power.
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According to him, institutions requiring additional electricity supply can benefit from the expansion of existing solar power systems through increased generation capacity and improved battery storage.
During the meeting, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, commended the Federal Government for its continued support while drawing attention to challenges facing the institution, including inadequate hostel accommodation, electricity supply at Campus Two and insecurity.
She also disclosed that some students were suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities carried out outside the university campus, adding that the institution strongly opposes the payment of ransom, as it encourages criminal networks.
The Federal Government’s latest directive is expected to strengthen disciplinary measures across tertiary institutions while reinforcing collaboration between school authorities and security agencies to safeguard students and educational facilities.
