RismadarVoice Reporters
January 21, 2026
The Kwara State Government, on Tuesday, ordered the immediate closure of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following protests by students over the use of the institution as a temporary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, an arrangement that reportedly led to a security breach and injuries on campus.
The directive, issued by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was aimed at preventing a further breakdown of law and order and safeguarding lives and property within the institution.
The closure was confirmed in a statement issued by the Acting Registrar of the Polytechnic, AbdulHafis Amin, who said the decision became necessary after tensions escalated during the protest.
Why the School Was Closed:
According to Amin, the Polytechnic had earlier been designated by the state government as a temporary NYSC orientation camp due to prevailing security challenges in the state.
“While previous batches of corps members were accommodated during periods when students were on break or yet to fully resume, the current orientation exercise coincided with full academic activities,” he said.
“To ensure a smooth NYSC orientation exercise and prevent any breakdown of law and order, the Management granted students a three-week break effective Monday, January 19, 2026,” Amin added.
However, some students reportedly rejected the decision, arguing that they had just resumed academic activities after the Christmas and New Year holidays. The protest later escalated, prompting the intervention of security operatives.
Security Intervention, Injuries Reported:
The management disclosed that although the police were invited to restore order, some officers allegedly exceeded their mandate by firing tear gas canisters into the campus, including student hostels.
“The action affected several students and staff, including the Polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer, who sustained injuries,” the statement said.
Eyewitnesses told The PUNCH that the situation degenerated when security operatives allegedly fired gunshots to disperse students, triggering panic as several students reportedly collapsed and sustained injuries.
Videos circulating on social media showed a heavy security presence on campus, with students fleeing the scene.
Students’ Union Kicks:
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Polytechnic condemned the use of force against protesting students, insisting that the demonstration was peaceful.
In a statement signed by the SUG President, Maruf Ibrahim, popularly known as Analysis, the union said students were protesting against the conversion of the campus into an NYSC camp over concerns bordering on safety, welfare, and academic disruption.
PDP Condemns Action:
Reacting to the incident, the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned what it described as the use of excessive force against unarmed students.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party accused the state government of poor planning and insensitivity.
“The decision to convert an academic institution into a makeshift NYSC camp without proper consultation is reckless. It is unacceptable that students protesting peacefully were met with tear gas and live ammunition,” the PDP said.
The opposition party called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the police officers involved and demanded a public apology from the state government.
Police Yet to React:
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The development has heightened concerns over security management and student welfare in tertiary institutions across the state, with stakeholders calling for dialogue and sustainable solutions that balance academic activities, public safety, and government logistics.
