The Federal Government has directed all universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to expel any student found guilty of kidnapping or related criminal offences after due investigation.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Education,  who instructed vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activities on campuses.

Alausa also urged tertiary institutions to strengthen internal intelligence gathering and collaborate more closely with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to enhance the safety of students and staff.

According to the minister, the policy is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve security across higher institutions and ensure campuses remain safe environments for learning.

The directive has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some welcomed the move, others argued that students found guilty of kidnapping should face criminal prosecution in addition to expulsion. Some also questioned how effectively the directive would be enforced across institutions.