Federal Government Orders Tertiary Institutions To Expel Students Involved In Kidnapping

The Federal Government has directed tertiary institutions nationwide to dismiss any student found culpable, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or related criminal activities.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, issued the directive on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Abuja, during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Lafia.

Alausa also ordered vice chancellors, rectors and provosts to strengthen internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to improve campus safety.

The minister said the directive followed concerns over reports of students allegedly participating in kidnapping operations outside their campuses, warning that tertiary institutions must not become safe havens for criminals.

He stressed that students found, after due investigation, to have planned or participated in kidnapping would have no place in tertiary institutions.

Alausa said universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe but acknowledged that isolated incidents involving students outside campuses require stronger intelligence gathering.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government plans to support security projects in tertiary institutions through the 2027 Tertiary Education Trust Fund intervention programme, including perimeter fencing and other critical infrastructure.