The Federal Government has ordered universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to take a tougher stand against crime on campuses.
The student kidnapping crackdown follows growing concerns over reports linking some students to criminal activities outside their campuses.
Authorities believe stronger action will help protect students and restore confidence in higher institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, gave the directive during a meeting with officials of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja. He also urged school leaders to strengthen intelligence gathering and work closely with the Department of State Services and other security agencies.
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.”
He added, “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.”
The minister also restated the government’s opposition to paying ransom, warning that such payments encourage criminals. He announced that TETFund’s 2027 intervention would support security projects, including perimeter fencing in tertiary institutions.
The student kidnapping crackdown also includes plans to improve campus safety through better infrastructure.
