The Kwara State Government has directed the shutdown of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following disturbances that erupted on campus over the use of the institution as a temporary orientation camp for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The order was given by Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq to safeguard lives and property after tensions heightened and police stepped in.
In a statement issued by the Acting Registrar, AbdulHafis Aminl, the Polytechnic management said the State Government had previously selected the institution as a temporary NYSC orientation camp due to ongoing security challenges in the State.
It stated that during the first orientation exercise, students were on holiday, while during the second, academic activities had not completely resumed.
However, for the current exercise, students were fully in session.
It stated that during the first orientation exercise, students were on holiday, while during the second, academic activities had not completely resumed.
However, for the current exercise, students were fully in session.
The decision, according to the statement, was greeted with opposition by some students who protested, citing their recent return from the Christmas and New Year break.
The protest caused tension at the institution’s main gate, leading to police intervention.
The management alleged that although police officers were initially deployed to disperse the crowd, some officers went beyond their mandate by firing tear gas canisters into the Polytechnic premises, including student hostels.
The action reportedly impacted several students and staff, while the institution’s Chief Security Officer was hurt during the incident.
“In view of the development, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, has directed the closure of the Polytechnic to ensure the safety of lives and property of the entire Polytechnic community,” the statement said.
The management urged students, staff and other stakeholders to stay calm as efforts continue to engage relevant authorities to address the situation.
