THE Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts across Nigeria to dismiss any student found culpable, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or other related crimes.
News Point Nigeria reports that the directive forms part of a broader Federal Government strategy to strengthen security in tertiary institutions, with the minister also ordering heads of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to enhance internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies in their respective states.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, following a meeting between Alausa and the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) in Abuja.
“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. Government has a duty to protect innocent citizens and preserve our institutions as centres of learning and excellence,” the minister stated.
While noting that Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe and secure, Alausa said recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses highlighted the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer collaboration 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,” he said.
The minister disclosed that he recently held an extensive meeting with the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and enhancing the protection of learners across the country.
Alausa also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the political will, strategic leadership and resources required to improve national security while implementing wide-ranging reforms in the education sector.
According to him, the Tinubu administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education in a safe and conducive learning environment.
Reaffirming President Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, the minister warned that yielding to criminal demands only emboldens criminal elements and undermines national efforts to tackle insecurity.
He therefore directed governing councils and heads of tertiary institutions to establish effective internal intelligence mechanisms, sustain close collaboration with the DSS and other security agencies, and take decisive action against anyone who threatens the safety of students.
Turning to infrastructure, Alausa announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) 2027 intervention programme.
According to him, the intervention will cover perimeter fencing and other critical security facilities, while eligible institutions have been encouraged to submit their requests early for consideration.
The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power.
He explained that institutions requiring additional electricity capacity would benefit from the expansion of existing solar infrastructure through increased power generation and battery storage.
In his presentation, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Lola Akande, commended the minister for his sustained support to the institution.
He highlighted several challenges confronting the university, including inadequate hostel accommodation, poor electricity supply to Campus Two and growing security concerns.
Akande disclosed that some students of the institution were suspected to be involved in kidnapping activities carried out outside the campus, noting that recent kidnapping incidents suggested such involvement.
He added that the university strongly opposed the payment of ransom for kidnapped victims, stressing that doing so would only encourage and embolden criminal elements.