Nigeria orders expulsion of student kidnappers

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, directed vice‑chancellors, rectors and provosts of all federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to dismiss any student found guilty of kidnapping or related violent crimes after due investigation. The directive was issued during a meeting with the governing council of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja.

Alausa also ordered institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security agencies as part of the Safe Schools Initiative. He announced that the 2027 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) programme will fund security upgrades such as perimeter fencing, surveillance equipment and solar power installations on campuses.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for political support, noted a recent strategic discussion with Defence Minister Christopher Musa, and warned, “If you tolerate bad behaviour for too long, it becomes a culture.” He added, “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.”