The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has directed Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of tertiary institutions across Nigeria to expel any student found guilty of kidnapping or other criminal activities after due investigation.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Minister's Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, following a meeting between Alausa and the Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State.

As part of efforts to strengthen security across higher institutions, the Minister also instructed heads of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to enhance internal intelligence gathering and work closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to safeguard students and campuses.

Alausa noted that although Nigerian tertiary institutions remain largely safe, recent security incidents involving students outside school premises underscore the need for stronger surveillance and proactive intelligence.

"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 disclosed that he recently held a strategic meeting with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), to reinforce the Safe Schools Initiative and develop stronger security measures for learners across the country.

Reaffirming the Federal Government's position on kidnapping, Alausa stressed that government institutions must never negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, warning that such actions only embolden criminal groups and undermine ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

To further improve safety on campuses, the Minister announced that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) would dedicate part of its 2027 intervention programme to security enhancement projects, including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems and other critical security infrastructure in tertiary institutions.

Speaking during the meeting, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Fibisola Akande, highlighted challenges confronting the institution, including inadequate student accommodation, poor electricity supply at its second campus and growing security concerns.

Akande revealed that some students were suspected of having links to kidnapping operations carried out outside the university environment, adding that the institution maintains a firm stance against the payment of ransom for the release of abducted victims.