The Federal Government has directed Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of tertiary institutions across Nigeria to immediately dismiss any student found guilty of kidnapping or related criminal offences after due investigation.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, gave the directive during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja.
Alausa also instructed heads of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to strengthen internal intelligence systems and collaborate more closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to improve campus safety.
According to the minister, discussions at the meeting focused on campus security, infrastructure development, student welfare and the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the higher education sector.
He acknowledged that while Nigerian tertiary institutions remain largely safe, recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses underscore the need for improved intelligence gathering and stronger partnerships 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,” Alausa said.
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 the protection of learners nationwide.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for providing the leadership and resources needed to improve national security while implementing reforms in the education sector.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s policy against negotiating with kidnappers or paying ransom, Alausa warned that such actions only embolden criminal groups and undermine efforts to combat insecurity.
He directed governing councils and management of tertiary institutions to establish effective intelligence mechanisms, sustain collaboration with security agencies and take decisive action against anyone threatening the safety of students.
“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,” he stated.
On infrastructure, the minister announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the 2027 intervention programme of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The projects will include perimeter fencing and other critical security facilities.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, noting that institutions requiring additional electricity capacity could benefit from expanded solar infrastructure and battery storage.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Hon. Lola Fibisola Akande, commended the minister for supporting the institution and highlighted challenges such as inadequate hostel accommodation, poor power supply at the university’s second campus and insecurity.
Akande revealed that some students of the institution were suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities carried out off campus and reaffirmed the university’s opposition to paying ransom, warning that it encourages criminality.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida, also applauded the minister’s reforms and appealed for the extension of the Energising Education Programme to the university’s second campus, alongside additional office accommodation and staffing.
In response, Alausa advised the university to submit formal requests under the relevant intervention programmes, assuring the management that projects meeting the required criteria would receive due consideration.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in safer schools, stronger institutions and modern infrastructure while pledging continued collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure campuses remain secure and conducive to learning.