FG Cracks Down on Campus Crime, Orders immediate Expulsion of Students Linked to Kidnapping

Newslens NG reports that the Federal Government has directed all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria to immediately expel any student found guilty of involvement in kidnapping or other violent criminal activities after due investigation, as part of efforts to strengthen security within tertiary institutions.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a meeting with the Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Nasarawa State, where concerns were raised over the alleged involvement of some students in off-campus kidnapping operations.

According to the minister, tertiary institutions must not become breeding grounds or safe havens for criminal elements. He stressed that any student found culpable of planning or participating in kidnapping should be dismissed without hesitation after a thorough investigation.
Alausa also instructed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts to strengthen internal intelligence systems within their institutions and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to detect and prevent criminal activities on and around campuses.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting students and ensuring that higher institutions remain centres of learning, discipline and excellence, warning that tolerance for criminal behaviour could gradually become institutionalised if left unchecked.

To improve campus security, the minister announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the 2027 intervention programme of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The projects will include perimeter fencing and other critical security infrastructure.

Alausa further disclosed that the government would continue expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, enabling more institutions to benefit from improved electricity through solar energy and battery storage solutions.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Lola Akande, commended the Federal Government for its support but expressed concern over insecurity, inadequate hostel accommodation and electricity challenges affecting the institution. She revealed that some students were suspected of participating in kidnapping activities outside the campus and reiterated the university’s opposition to the payment of ransom, describing it as an encouragement to criminality.

The latest directive is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to enhance security in educational institutions and curb the growing threat of kidnapping and violent crimes linked to some campuses across the country.