The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts across the country to dismiss any student found guilty, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or related crimes.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, issued the directive during a meeting with the governing council and management of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja.
According to a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, Alausa also ordered tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems and work more closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to improve campus security.
“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,” the minister said.
He 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 collaboration with security agencies.
Alausa disclosed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), to develop a coordinated strategy to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative and improve the protection of learners nationwide.
The minister also reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that such actions only encourage criminal activities.
He announced that the Federal Government would support security projects in tertiary institutions through TETFund’s 2027 intervention programme, including perimeter fencing and other critical security infrastructure.
Speaking at the meeting, Federal University of Lafia Pro-Chancellor Lola Akande said the institution was facing challenges including insecurity, adding that some students were suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities carried out off campus. She also maintained that the university opposes the payment of ransom to secure the release of kidnapping victims.
