Kwara State Poly Closes After Student Protest

Kwara State Poly Closes After Student Protest

The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin after student protests disrupted activities on campus and raised security concerns.

The incident followed the decision to use the institution as a temporary orientation camp for National Youth Service Corps members due to security challenges elsewhere in the state.

This arrangement overlapped with ongoing academic activities, triggering resistance from students who had just resumed after the festive break.

As students protested the development, tension grew on campus and security operatives were deployed to restore order. The situation worsened when tear gas was fired into parts of the campus, including hostels, leading to injuries among students and staff and creating panic within the school environment.

The polytechnic management confirmed that the closure was approved by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to prevent further unrest and protect lives and property.

Students had earlier been asked to proceed on a three-week break to allow the NYSC programme run smoothly, but the move was rejected by sections of the student body.

The Students’ Union and opposition figures have criticised the handling of the situation, describing the use of force as excessive and avoidable.

With no official response yet from the police, calls are growing for dialogue, accountability and better planning to prevent similar clashes in tertiary institutions across the state.