FG ORDERS DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS INVOLVED IN KIDNAPPING. (PHOTO).

 FG Orders Dismissal of Students Involved in Kidnapping

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts of tertiary institutions nationwide to dismiss any student found guilty of kidnapping or related offences following a thorough investigation.

Minister of Education Tunji Alausa issued the directive on Monday during a meeting with the governing council and management of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja.

Alausa also instructed heads of tertiary institutions to strengthen intelligence gathering on campuses and collaborate more closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies. He stressed that institutions must not allow criminal activities to take root on campuses.

“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.

He noted that Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe, but recent isolated cases involving students outside campuses highlight the need for stronger security measures.

“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,” Alausa added.

The minister disclosed that he recently held discussions with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and improving security for students across the country.

Alausa also restated President Bola Tinubu’s directive that government institutions must neither negotiate with nor pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that such actions only encourage further criminal activities.

To enhance campus security, the Federal Government will support security projects in tertiary institutions under the 2027 TETFund intervention programme. These projects will include perimeter fencing and other security facilities. Institutions requiring additional electricity will benefit from the expansion of the Energising Education Programme through increased solar power infrastructure.

During the meeting, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, outlined challenges facing the institution, including inadequate hostel accommodation, power supply shortages and insecurity. She revealed that some students were suspected of involvement in kidnappings carried out outside the campus and emphasised that the university strongly opposes the payment of ransom, as it encourages further crimes.