Alausa orders VCs, rectors, provosts to ‘dismiss’ students involved in kidnapping

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has directed vice chancellors, rectors and provosts across Nigeria to immediately dismiss any student found guilty, after due investigation, of involvement in kidnapping or other criminal activities.

He also ordered the heads of tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence systems and deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies in their respective states as part of a nationwide strategy to safeguard campuses and protect students.

Dr Alausa gave the directive during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, members of the Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, in his office in Abuja. The delegation was led by the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Hon Lola Fibisola Akande.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr Ikharo Attah, discussions at the two-hour meeting centred on campus security, infrastructure development, student welfare and the Federal Government’s ongoing higher education reforms.

Although the Minister noted that universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain largely safe and secure across the country, he said recent isolated incidents involving students outside campuses underscore the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with security agencies.

“We have a collective responsibility to protect every Nigerian child, from primary school to tertiary education. While our campuses remain safe, we must continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and work closely with our security agencies to ensure that students are protected both within and outside our institutions,” he said.

Alausa disclosed that he recently…