The Federal Government says it will no longer tolerate criminal acts in schools, warning that any student found guilty of kidnapping will be sent out of school.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, made this known on Monday while meeting with leaders of the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State.
A statement signed by his media aide, Ikharo Attah, quoted the Minister as telling heads of universities, polytechnics and colleges to take firm action after investigations.
“Bad habits grow when we ignore them. Any student who is found to have planned or joined in kidnapping a fellow student will be dismissed. Our schools must not shelter criminals,” Alausa said.
He urged Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts across the country to step up internal security checks and work hand-in-hand with the DSS and other agencies to keep students safe.
The Minister noted that most campuses in Nigeria are still safe. But he said recent cases of abduction involving students outside school gates show that more watchfulness is needed.
Alausa also disclosed that he recently held talks with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, rtd, on how to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative and better protect learners.
He repeated President Bola Tinubu’s position that government should not pay ransom or bargain with kidnappers. “Doing that only gives them more power and makes the problem worse,” he added.
To help schools improve safety, Alausa said TETFund will fund security projects in its 2027 plan. This includes building fences and other structures to protect tertiary institutions.
During the meeting, Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Lafia, Lola Fibisola Akande, spoke about challenges facing the school. She mentioned poor student housing, electricity issues at the second campus, and security threats.
She revealed that some students are suspected of being involved in kidnappings outside the campus. She stressed that the university is against paying ransom to free victims.