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From Owede Agbajileke, Abuja

The Federal Government has directed vice chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions across the country to dismiss any student found culpable, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or related criminal activities.

Minister of Education, Dr.Tunji Alausa, issued the directive during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) in Abuja.

He also ordered heads of tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to improve campus safety.

Alausa said the directive followed concerns over reports that some students were allegedly involved in kidnapping operations carried out outside their campuses, stressing that tertiary institutions must not become safe havens for criminal elements.

“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.

While noting that Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe, Alausa said recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses underscored the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with security agencies.

He disclosed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and improving the protection of learners across the country.

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 embolden criminal groups and undermine efforts to tackle insecurity.

Beyond disciplinary measures, Alausa directed governing councils and managements of tertiary institutions to establish effective internal intelligence mechanisms, maintain close ties with the DSS and other security agencies, and promptly address threats to the safety of students and staff.

He 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), including perimeter fencing and other critical security infrastructure. Institutions were urged to submit proposals early for consideration.

The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power to improve electricity supply to tertiary institutions through additional solar generation and battery storage.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, commended the Federal Government for its support to the institution but identified student accommodation, electricity supply to the university’s second campus and insecurity as major challenges.

She disclosed that some students of the university were suspected to have been involved in kidnapping activities carried out off campus, adding that the institution strongly opposed the payment of ransom, saying it would only encourage more criminality.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida, also praised the minister’s reforms in the education sector and appealed for the extension of the Energising Education Programme to the institution’s second campus, as well as additional office accommodation and staffing support.