Federal government Orders Expulsion of Students Involved in Kidnapping
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions across Nigeria to immediately expel any student found guilty of kidnapping or related criminal activities after due investigation.Alausa gave the directive on Tuesday during a meeting with the governing council and management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) in Abuja, stressing that tertiary institutions must not become safe havens for criminal elements.
The minister also instructed heads of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to strengthen internal intelligence systems and collaborate closely with security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to prevent criminal activities within and around campuses.
According to him, institutions that tolerate misconduct risk allowing criminal behaviour to become entrenched.“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,” Alausa said.
He noted that although Nigerian campuses remain largely safe, recent incidents involving students outside school premises have highlighted the need for improved intelligence gathering and coordinated security efforts.
The minister revealed that he recently held discussions with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), on strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and enhancing security in educational institutions nationwide.
Alausa also reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s position against the payment of ransom, warning that negotiating with kidnappers only encourages criminal networks and undermines efforts to combat insecurity.
To improve campus security, he announced that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) would include security infrastructure projects such as perimeter fencing and other protective facilities in its 2027 intervention programme.
The minister further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme to address power challenges in tertiary institutions through solar infrastructure, increased power generation and battery storage systems.
Earlier, FULafia Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Lola Fibisola Akande, identified insecurity, inadequate hostel accommodation and power supply challenges as major concerns facing the institution. She disclosed that some students were suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities carried out off-campus and emphasized the university’s opposition to the payment of ransom.
Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Mohammed Isa Kida, commended the Federal Government’s reforms and appealed for additional support, including the extension of the Energising Education Programme to the university’s second campus.
Responding, Alausa urged the university to submit formal proposals under relevant intervention programmes, assuring the management that requests aligned with national priorities would receive due consideration.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in safer schools, improved infrastructure and stronger institutions to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment across the country.