Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has directed vice‑chancellors, rectors and provosts across the country to dismiss any student found guilty of involvement in kidnapping or related crimes. He said campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements.
The directive was issued during a meeting with the pro‑chancellor, governing council members and management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, held in Abuja.
“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. Government has a duty to protect innocent citizens and preserve our institutions as centres of learning and excellence,” Alausa stated.
Alausa instructed tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
He explained that while campuses remain largely safe, recent incidents outside school grounds show the need for closer monitoring.
“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 said.
The minister disclosed that he recently met with Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (Retired) to develop a coordinated strategy for the Safe Schools Initiative.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that such actions embolden criminals.
Infrastructure And Federal Support
Alausa announced that the Federal Government will support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through TETFund’s 2027 intervention programme.
Projects will include perimeter fencing and other critical facilities. He also encouraged institutions to submit requests early.
He further confirmed plans to expand the Energising Education Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Power, allowing schools to benefit from solar infrastructure and improved electricity capacity.
Pro‑chancellor Lola Akande praised the minister’s support but raised concerns about challenges facing the Federal University of Lafia, including hostel accommodation, power supply and insecurity.
She disclosed that some students were suspected of involvement in kidnappings off campus, stressing that the institution rejects ransom payments as they embolden criminals.
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