Alausa orders tertiary institutions to expel students involved in kidnapping,
…directs school heads to strengthen campus intelligence
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has directed Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts across Nigeria to immediately dismiss any student found culpable, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or other criminal activities.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, following a meeting between the Minister and the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), led by Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Mrs. Adebimpe Adebajo, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa also instructed heads of tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems and maintain close collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to enhance campus security.
While noting that Nigerian tertiary institutions remain largely safe, the Minister said recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses demand greater vigilance.
“Our campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements. Any student found guilty, after due investigation, of planning or participating in kidnapping has no place in our institutions and must be dismissed,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), to deepen collaboration under the Safe Schools Initiative and strengthen the protection of learners nationwide.
He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that government institutions must neither negotiate with nor pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that such actions only encourage criminality.
On infrastructure, Dr. Alausa announced that TETFund’s 2027 intervention would support security projects, including perimeter fencing and other critical facilities, while also reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme to improve electricity supply in tertiary institutions.
Earlier, Dr. Adebimpe Adebajo commended the Minister for his support for FULafia and highlighted challenges facing the institution, including student accommodation, electricity supply to Campus Two and security.
She disclosed that some students were suspected of involvement in off-campus kidnapping activities and stressed that the university strongly opposes ransom payments.
Vice Chancellor, Professor 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, alongside additional office accommodation and staffing support.
Dr. Alausa assured the university that all eligible requests submitted through the appropriate intervention programmes would receive due consideration.