LIFESTYLE Culture

Federal Government Directs Tertiary Institutions to Strengthen Campus Security

by admin on | 2026-08-05 12:43:50

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 37

---

Federal Government Directs Tertiary Institutions to Strengthen Campus Security 

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama, Abuja

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has instructed heads of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to strengthen internal intelligence systems, deepen collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies as part of a nationwide strategy to enhance campus security and protect students.

He also directed Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts across the country to immediately dismiss any student found culpable of kidnapping or related criminal activities after due investigation.

Alausa said Nigeria’s tertiary institutions must never become breeding grounds for criminality.

The Minister spoke during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council, and Management of the Federal University of Lafia in Abuja, where he stressed that institutions must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activities involving students.

According to him, safeguarding lives and preserving the integrity of higher education institutions remain central to the Federal Government’s education reform agenda.

Special Adviser on Media, Communications to the Minister, Ikharo Attah, in a statement, noted that the meeting focused on campus security, infrastructure development, student welfare, and ongoing higher education reforms.

He said discussions also centred on practical measures to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative and improve collaboration between tertiary institutions and security agencies nationwide.

While noting that universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria remain largely safe, Alausa said recent isolated incidents involving students outside campus underscore the need for stronger intelligence gathering and closer cooperation 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.

The Minister disclosed that he recently held a meeting with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), to develop a coordinated strategy aimed at strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative, enhancing the protection of learners across the country.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the political will, strategic leadership, and resources required to improve national security while driving reforms in the education sector.

According to him, the administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education in a safe, conducive learning environment.

While reaffirming President Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers, Alausa warned that yielding to criminal demands only emboldens criminal elements and weakens the nation’s fight against insecurity.

He directed governing councils and heads of tertiary institutions to establish effective internal intelligence mechanisms, sustain close collaboration with the DSS and other security agencies, and take decisive action against anyone who threatens the safety of students.

“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. Government has a duty to protect innocent citizens and preserve our institutions as centres of learning and excellence,” the Minister stated.

On infrastructure, Alausa announced that the Federal Government would support security enhancement projects in tertiary institutions through the TETFund 2027 intervention programme, including perimeter fencing and other critical security facilities.

He urged eligible institutions to submit proposals early for consideration.

The Minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power, explaining that institutions requiring additional electricity capacity could benefit from expanded solar infrastructure, increased power generation, and improved battery storage.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Dr Adebimpe Adebajo, commended the Minister for his support for the institution.

Adebajo highlighted key challenges confronting the university, including inadequate hostel accommodation, electricity supply to Campus II, and security concerns.

She maintained that the university opposes the payment of ransom, warning that such actions only encourage criminality.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mohammed Isa Kida, also commended the Minister for his reforms and commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s education sector.

Prof Kida expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s continued support for the university and appealed for the extension of the Energising Education Programme to the institution’s second campus. He also requested additional office accommodation and increased staffing to strengthen the university’s teaching, research, and administrative capacity.

Responding, Alausa advised the university to submit formal requests under the relevant intervention programmes, assuring the Governing Council and Management that the Ministry would consider projects that meet established requirements and align with national priorities.

The Minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would continue investing in safer schools, stronger institutions, and modern infrastructure to build a globally competitive, innovation-driven, development-focused higher education system.

He assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Education would continue working with security agencies, governing councils, and other stakeholders to ensure that campuses remain safe, students are protected, and institutions are empowered to deliver quality teaching, impactful research, and national development.