Education Minister Issues Tough Warning, Directs Schools To Expel Criminal Students

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, issued the directive to vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts, urging them to take decisive action against students whose actions threaten the safety and security of others.

Alausa gave the order during a meeting with the leadership of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, including members of the institution’s governing council and management, in Abuja. His media aide, Ikharo Attah, later confirmed the minister’s position in a statement.

The minister stressed that institutions of learning must not become environments where criminal activities are tolerated, insisting that any student found to have participated in planning or executing kidnapping operations would no longer be allowed to remain in school.

He also called on tertiary institutions to strengthen their security frameworks and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies under the Safe Schools Initiative.

While acknowledging that Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education remain largely secure, Alausa noted that recent criminal incidents involving students outside school premises highlight the need for improved monitoring, intelligence sharing, and preventive measures.

The minister maintained that ensuring the safety of students is a collective responsibility involving school authorities, security agencies, and government institutions. He added that the Federal Government is committed to creating a secure learning environment where Nigerian students can pursue quality education without fear.

Alausa further disclosed that he had held discussions with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), on strategies to strengthen student protection through the Safe Schools Initiative.

Reaffirming the government’s position against negotiating or paying ransom to kidnappers, the minister warned that such payments encourage further criminal activities. He urged school administrators and governing councils to establish stronger internal security systems, maintain regular communication with security agencies, and act swiftly against individuals who pose threats to campus safety.