Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday ordered the closure of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following unrest by students over the use of the institution as a temporary orientation camp for members of the National Youth Service Corps.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the Acting Registrar of the polytechnic, AbdulHafis Amin, on behalf of the management.
The protest was triggered by the presence of NYSC members on campus, following the state government’s decision to relocate the orientation camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area due to security concerns linked to banditry.
Findings showed that while students were away on the Christmas and New Year holidays, two batches of corps members had already resumed at the polytechnic, with specific facilities allocated for their use.
However, upon resumption on Monday, students were reportedly directed to proceed on a three week break to allow the NYSC orientation exercise to continue. The directive was rejected by the students, who later gathered at the main gate of the institution to protest.
The situation reportedly escalated when police officers deployed to restore order fired tear gas as students attempted to force their way into the campus. During the incident, the polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer was said to have sustained injuries.
In the statement, the management said the decision to grant students a temporary break was taken to prevent a breakdown of law and order. It added that the use of tear gas within the campus negatively affected students and staff.
Following the development, Governor AbdulRazaq ordered the immediate closure of the institution to safeguard lives and property.
The management appealed to students, staff and stakeholders to remain calm while efforts are made to resolve the situation peacefully.
