The Federal Government has directed all tertiary institutions across Nigeria to immediately dismiss any student found guilty of kidnapping or other criminal activities, declaring that campuses must not become safe havens for criminals.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah.
Alausa also instructed vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts and governing councils of tertiary institutions to strengthen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies as part of efforts to improve campus security and protect students nationwide.
“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.
According to the statement, Alausa gave the directive during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja.
The meeting focused on critical issues including campus security, student welfare, infrastructure development and the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the higher education sector.
While noting that Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe, the minister said recent incidents involving students outside school campuses have highlighted the need for stronger intelligence gathering and improved collaboration with security agencies.
“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.
Alausa disclosed that he recently held discussions with the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at strengthening the Safe School Initiative and improving the security of learners across the country.
He also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom for the release of victims, warning that such payments only encourage criminal activities.
The minister directed tertiary institutions to establish effective internal intelligence systems, maintain close cooperation with the DSS and other security agencies, and take firm action against anyone threatening the safety of students and staff.
He further announced that the Federal Government would support security projects in tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) 2027 Intervention Programme, including perimeter fencing and other security infrastructure.
Alausa also encouraged institutions with electricity challenges to take advantage of the planned expansion of solar power infrastructure through increased energy generation and battery storage.
Speaking during the meeting, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, highlighted some of the institution’s major challenges, including inadequate hostel accommodation, power supply issues and insecurity.
She revealed that investigations showed some students of the university were allegedly involved in recent off-campus kidnapping incidents.
Despite the security challenges, Akande said the university had adopted a firm policy against paying ransom for the release of any kidnapped student.
The Federal Government’s latest directive underscores its determination to strengthen security across tertiary institutions and ensure that students involved in criminal activities face appropriate disciplinary action.
