The Federal Government has directed heads of tertiary institutions across Nigeria to dismiss any student found culpable of kidnapping or related criminal activities following due investigation, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen campus security nationwide.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, issued the directive during a two hour meeting with the pro chancellor, governing council members and management of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja on Tuesday. The meeting, convened in his office, addressed campus security, infrastructure development, student welfare and ongoing reforms in higher education.

"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. Our campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements," Alausa said.

The minister acknowledged that Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remained largely safe but noted that recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses underscored the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with security agencies.

Alausa disclosed that he had recently held a strategic meeting with Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), to develop a coordinated approach aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative and enhancing protection of learners across the country.

He also reiterated President Bola Tinubu's position that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, warning that yielding to criminal demands emboldens criminal elements and undermines national efforts to combat insecurity.

The minister directed governing councils and institutional heads to establish effective internal intelligence mechanisms and sustain close collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security agencies.

He further announced that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund 2027 intervention programme would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions, including perimeter fencing and other critical security infrastructure. Institutions requiring additional electricity capacity were also encouraged to explore expansion of existing solar infrastructure.

The Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Lola Akande, who led the university's delegation, raised concerns over hostel accommodation, power supply to the institution's second campus and security challenges, disclosing that investigations linked some students to kidnapping activities carried out outside the campus. She confirmed that the university management had resolved not to pay ransom for any kidnapped student.