‎By EDITH TSOKAR

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 gave the order in Abuja during a meeting with the Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State.

He said the directive was part of renewed efforts to strengthen security across tertiary institutions in the country.

He also instructed heads of tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence mechanisms and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to prevent criminal activities on campuses.

Alausa said although Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remained largely safe, recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses demanded stronger preventive measures and improved intelligence gathering.

According to him, every institution has a responsibility to ensure students remain safe within and outside campuses through effective security partnerships, vigilance and prompt responses to emerging threats.

He warned institutions against condoning criminality, saying, “If you tolerate bad behaviour for too long, it becomes a culture.”

Alausa stressed that discipline remained essential to preserving the integrity of tertiary education.‎

“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,” he declared.

Alausa disclosed that he recently held strategic discussions with the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), to strengthen nationwide implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, noting the government remained committed to learner protection.

“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.‎

He said the collaboration was designed to improve protection for learners, enhance intelligence sharing and reinforce security architecture across educational institutions throughout the country.‎

The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for providing political support, strategic leadership and resources toward improving national security while implementing reforms across the education sector.‎

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that no public institution should negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, saying such actions only embolden criminality and undermine security efforts.‎

Alausa urged governing councils and institutional managements to establish effective intelligence structures capable of detecting threats early while maintaining constant engagement with security agencies in their respective states.

He announced that TETFund’s 2027 intervention would support perimeter fencing and other security infrastructure, urging eligible institutions to submit proposals promptly for consideration.‎

Alausa also reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power to improve electricity supply in tertiary institutions.‎

He explained that institutions requiring additional electricity capacity could benefit from expanded solar generation systems and improved battery storage under the ongoing programme.

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

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to investing in safer schools, stronger institutions and modern infrastructure capable of supporting globally competitive teaching, research and innovation.

The minister assured Nigerians that the ministry would continue to collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to safeguard campuses nationwide.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Dr Adebimpe Adebajo, appreciated the federal government for sustained support toward the institution’s growth and development.‎

Adebajo identified student accommodation shortages, electricity challenges at the university’s second campus and insecurity as major issues requiring urgent government intervention.

She disclosed that some students were suspected of involvement in off-campus kidnapping activities, adding that available information from recent incidents pointed towards such disturbing developments.

The pro-chancellor said the institution strongly opposed payment of ransom to kidnappers because such actions would embolden criminal groups and encourage further attacks.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Kida, commended the minister for reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s education sector and strengthening tertiary institutions nationwide.‎

Kida appealed for the extension of the Energising Education Programme to the university’s second campus alongside additional office accommodation and increased staffing support. (NAN)

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