Minister of Education, 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 related crimes, while also ordering heads of tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security agencies as part of a nationwide strategy to safeguard campuses and protect students.
The directive was given during a meeting with the Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State, Adebimpe Adebajo, along with members of the institution’s Governing Council and Management. While noting that Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe and secure, Alausa said recent isolated incidents involving students outside campus grounds underscore 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.
Alausa disclosed that he recently held an extensive meeting with Minister of Defence Christopher Musa to develop a coordinated strategy for strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and enhancing protection for learners nationwide, saying the administration remains committed to ensuring every Nigerian child has access to quality education in a safe and conducive environment. He directed governing councils and heads of tertiary institutions to establish effective internal intelligence mechanisms, sustain close collaboration with security agencies, and take decisive action against anyone who threatens student safety. “If you tolerate bad behavior 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 centers of learning and excellence,” he said.
On infrastructure, the minister announced that the federal government will support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through TETFund’s 2027 intervention programme, including perimeter fencing and other critical security facilities, encouraging eligible institutions to submit their requests early for consideration.
In her presentation, Adebajo praised the minister for sustained support to the university, highlighting challenges facing the institution, notably hostel accommodation for students, power supply on the university’s second campus, and insecurity. She disclosed that some students at the institution are suspected to be involved in kidnapping activities carried out off campus, pointing to recent kidnapping incidents as evidence, and said the institution strongly opposes paying ransom for kidnapped victims, arguing it would further embolden criminals.
Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Mohammed Isa Kida, commended the minister for his bold reforms and unwavering commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s education sector, expressing appreciation for continued federal support for the university and appealing for the Energizing Education Programme to be extended to the institution’s second campus. He also requested additional office accommodation and increased staffing to strengthen the university’s teaching, research and administrative capacity.
