Education minister directs tertiary institutions to strengthen campus intelligence and partner security agencies to combat criminal activities.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts across Nigeria to expel any student found guilty, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or related criminal activities.
Alausa gave the directive during a meeting with the pro-chancellor, governing council and management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, in Abuja.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the minister said tertiary institutions must not become safe havens for criminal elements, stressing that students found culpable of planning or participating in kidnappings should be dismissed in line with institutional regulations.
He also directed 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 security and protect students.
According to the minister, although Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe, recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses highlight the need for stronger intelligence gathering and coordinated security efforts.
Alausa disclosed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), to develop strategies aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and improving the protection of learners nationwide.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that such actions only encourage criminal activities and undermine efforts to tackle insecurity.
The minister announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) 2027 intervention programme, including perimeter fencing and other critical security infrastructure. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme to improve electricity supply in tertiary institutions through additional solar power infrastructure.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Lola Akande, commended the Federal Government for its continued support to the institution while highlighting challenges including inadequate hostel accommodation, power supply and insecurity. She disclosed that some students were suspected of involvement in off-campus kidnapping activities and stressed that the institution strongly opposes the payment of ransom to secure the release of victims.