The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts across Nigeria to immediately expel any student found guilty, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or other violent crimes.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, issued the directive on Tuesday during a meeting with the Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State, following concerns over the alleged involvement of some students in off-campus kidnapping activities.
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 networks and collaborate closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to prevent criminal activities within and around campuses.
He stressed that higher institutions must never become safe havens for criminals, warning that any student found culpable of planning or participating in kidnapping has no place in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“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 must be dismissed,” the minister said.
Alausa noted that although universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe, recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses highlight the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer cooperation with security agencies.
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 improving the protection of learners nationwide.
He also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that such actions only embolden criminal groups.
Beyond security, Alausa announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) 2027 intervention programme. The projects include perimeter fencing and other critical security infrastructure.
He further reiterated plans to expand the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, enabling institutions with additional electricity needs to benefit from expanded solar power generation and battery storage systems.
During the meeting, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, commended the Federal Government for its support but raised concerns over inadequate hostel accommodation, electricity challenges at the university’s second campus and insecurity.
She disclosed that some students were suspected of participating in kidnapping operations outside the campus, adding that the university opposed the payment of ransom because it encourages criminality.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida, also appealed for the extension of the Energising Education Programme to the university’s second campus, as well as additional office accommodation and staffing.
Responding, Alausa urged the institution to submit formal requests under relevant intervention programmes, assuring the management that projects meeting established requirements and national priorities would receive due consideration.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in safer schools, stronger institutions and modern infrastructure as part of efforts to build a globally competitive higher education system.
