Abuja: The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has directed vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts to dismiss any student found culpable, after due investigation, of kidnapping or related crimes. Alausa issued this directive during a meeting in Abuja with the Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the directive is part of renewed efforts to bolster security across tertiary institutions in the country. Dr. Alausa also instructed the heads of these institutions to fortify internal intelligence mechanisms and enhance collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to avert criminal activities on campuses. He emphasized the importance of vigilance and prompt responses to emerging threats, underscoring that institutions have a responsibility to ensure student safety both on and off-campus.
Alausa highlighted that although Nigerian educational institutions are generally safe, isolated incidents involving students outside campuses necessitate stronger preventive measures and improved intelligence gathering. He warned against condoning criminality, asserting that unchecked bad behavior could become ingrained in institutional culture. The minister declared that students found guilty of kidnapping should be dismissed to maintain discipline and integrity within tertiary education.
Additionally, Alausa shared that he has engaged in strategic discussions with the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), to enhance the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative nationwide. He acknowledged the collective responsibility to protect Nigerian students across all levels of education, stressing the need for continued intelligence collaboration with security agencies.
The minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for his strategic leadership and resources dedicated to improving national security and reforming the education sector. Alausa reiterated the Federal Government’s stance against negotiating with kidnappers or paying ransoms, highlighting that such actions could embolden criminal activities.
Alausa urged governing councils and institutional managements to establish effective intelligence structures capable of early threat detection and to maintain constant engagement with security agencies. He announced that TETFund’s 2027 intervention would support security infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, and encouraged institutions to submit proposals for consideration.
Moreover, Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Energising Education Programme, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, to enhance electricity supply in tertiary institutions. He assured that institutions requiring additional electricity capacity could benefit from expanded solar generation systems and improved battery storage.
Earlier, Dr. Adebimpe Adebajo, Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, expressed appreciation for the federal government’s continued support for the institution’s growth. Adebajo identified student accommodation shortages, electricity challenges, and insecurity as pressing issues requiring government intervention. She revealed suspicions of student involvement in off-campus kidnappings and reiterated the institution’s opposition to paying ransoms.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mohammed Kida praised the minister for his reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and appealed for the extension of the Energising Education Programme to additional campuses, alongside increased staffing support.