*Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister for Education, warns Heads of tertiary institutions of learning across Nigeria to immediately dismiss any students found culpable, after due investigation, of planning or participating in the kidnapping of fellow students, warning ‘our campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements’
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
Against the backdrop of purported students’ involvement in kidnapping, and related vices in recent times, the Nigerian Government has directed Vice-Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of tertiary institutions of learning across the country to expeditiously dismiss any students found culpable, after due investigation.
ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister for Education, stated this Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a meeting with the delegation comprising the Pro-Chancellor, members of the Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Lafia, in Nasarawa State, in his office in Abuja, FCT.
Nigerian Army redeploys Maj-Gen Ralph Nnebeife, appoints new GOC 2 Division Ibadan
Alausa also mandated the Heads of tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems, and deepen their collaborations with the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies in their respective states as part of a nationwide strategy to safeguard campuses and protect students on campuses.
Minister: No safe havens for criminal elements on Nigerian campuses
The Minister warned the education stakeholders: “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.”
He also stated: “Our campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements.
“Government has a duty to protect innocent citizens and preserve our institutions as centres of learning and excellence.”
Emphasising that Nigerian Universities, polytechnics and colleges of education largely remain secure, the Minister, however, observed that recent “isolated incidents” involving students outside campuses underscore the need for stronger intelligence gathering, and closer collaboration with security agencies in the West African country.
Inter-ministerial collaboration on implementing ‘Safe Schools Initiative’
Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, in a statement Tuesday, also quoted Dr. Alausa said: “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.”
The Minister further stated that he recently held an extensive meeting with General Christopher Musa (Retd.), Honourable Minister for Defence, on measures to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at strengthening the “Safe Schools Initiative” while enhancing the protection of learners across Nigeria.
Alausa commends for President Tinubu
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the political will, strategic leadership, and required resources to improve national security while driving far-reaching reforms in the education sector of the Nigerian economy.
Dr. Alausa as well noted that the current administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education in a safe and conducive learning environment.
Restating President Tinubu’s directive that no government institution in Nigeria should negotiate with, or pay ransom to kidnappers, the Minister cautioned the education industry stakeholders against yielding to criminal demands.
According to him, doing this only emboldens criminal elements and undermines national efforts to combat insecurity.
He, therefore, directed Governing Councils and Heads of tertiary institutions to establish effective internal intelligence mechanisms, sustain close collaboration with the DSS, and other security agencies, and take decisive action against anyone who threatens the safety of students.
Teaching and learning infrastructure in schools
In regard to infrastructure, Alausa announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through TETFund’s 2027 intervention programme.
These include perimeter fencing and other critical security facilities.
The Minister encouraged eligible institutions to submit their requests early for consideration.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power.
Alausa also explained that institutions requiring additional electricity capacity could benefit from the expansion of existing solar infrastructure through increased generation and battery storage.
In his presentation during the meeting with Dr. Alausa, Lola Akande, Pro-Chancellor of the institution, lauded the Minister for sustained support to the Federal University of Lafia, in Nasarawa State.
Some challenges facing Federal University, Lafia: Pro-Chancellor
Akande highlighted some challenges facing the University, including hostel accommodation for students, power supply for in Campus 2, and insecurity.
The Pro-Chancellor also revealed that some students in the institution were suspected to be involved in kidnapping activities being perpetrated off campus.
She further said that some recent kidnappings suggested so.
Akande noted that the institution frowns strongly on paying ransom for the release of kidnapped victims, as it would further embolden the criminals.