Alausa Orders Universities to Expel Students Found Guilty of Kidnapping

Alausa Orders Universities to Expel Students Found Guilty of Kidnapping
Alausa noted that while Nigerian tertiary institutions remain largely safe, recent isolated cases involving students outside campuses highlight the need for stronger intelligence gathering
Announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund

The Federal Government has directed Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of tertiary institutions across the country to dismiss any student found culpable of kidnapping or related criminal offences after due investigation.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, issued the directive during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, led by the institution’s Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Lola Fibisola Akande, in Abuja.

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The minister also instructed heads of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to strengthen internal intelligence mechanisms and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to improve safety on campuses nationwide.

Alausa Orders Universities to Expel Students Found Guilty of Kidnapping

According to Alausa, discussions at the meeting focused on campus security, infrastructure development, student welfare and the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the higher education sector.

He noted that while Nigerian tertiary institutions remain largely safe, recent isolated cases involving students outside campuses highlight the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer cooperation 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 met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and improving the protection of learners across the country.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the leadership and resources required to improve national security while implementing reforms in the education sector.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s policy against negotiating with or paying ransom to kidnappers, Alausa warned that such actions only embolden criminal groups and undermine efforts to tackle insecurity.

He directed governing councils and heads of tertiary institutions to establish effective intelligence systems, sustain close collaboration with the DSS and other security agencies, and take decisive action against anyone who threatens the safety of students.

“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,” the minister said.

On 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. The projects will include perimeter fencing and other critical security facilities.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, noting that institutions requiring additional electricity capacity could benefit from expanded solar infrastructure and battery storage.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Hon. Lola Fibisola Akande, commended the minister for his support for the institution and highlighted challenges including inadequate hostel accommodation, power supply at the university’s second campus and insecurity.

She disclosed that some students of the institution were suspected to be involved in kidnapping activities carried out off campus and reiterated the university’s opposition to paying ransom, warning that it encourages criminality.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida, also praised the minister’s reforms and appealed for the extension of the Energising Education Programme to the university’s second campus, as well as additional office accommodation and staffing.

Alausa Orders Universities to Expel Students Found Guilty of Kidnapping

Responding, Alausa advised the university to submit formal requests under the relevant intervention programmes, assuring the institution that projects meeting the required criteria would receive due consideration.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in safer schools, stronger institutions and modern infrastructure, while pledging continued collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure Nigerian campuses remain safe and conducive for learning.