FG Directs Tertiary Institutions to Expel Students Involved in Kidnapping

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts of tertiary institutions across Nigeria to dismiss any student found culpable of kidnapping or related criminal activities after a thorough investigation.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council, and management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, in Abuja. The minister stressed that institutions must not become safe havens for criminal elements and urged school authorities to take decisive action against students involved in serious crimes.

According to a statement by the minister's Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, Alausa also instructed tertiary institutions to strengthen their internal intelligence systems and work closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to enhance campus safety.

"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.

Alausa noted that although Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education remain largely safe, recent isolated incidents involving students outside campus have highlighted the need for improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration with security agencies.

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

The minister also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu's directive that government institutions must not negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that such actions only encourage criminal activities and undermine efforts to tackle insecurity.

To further improve security, Alausa announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the TETFund 2027 intervention programme. The projects will include perimeter fencing and other critical security infrastructure, while eligible institutions were encouraged to submit their requests early.

He also reiterated the government's commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, enabling institutions to increase electricity supply through expanded solar energy systems and battery storage.

Speaking during the meeting, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, commended the minister for his continued support for the institution. She highlighted key challenges facing the university, including inadequate hostel accommodation, poor electricity supply to Campus 2, and insecurity.

Akande disclosed that some students were suspected of involvement in kidnapping operations carried out off campus, noting that recent incidents pointed in that direction. She added that the institution strongly opposes the payment of ransom, arguing that it only emboldens criminals.