•Kwara State Polytechnic main gate
The Kwara State government has ordered the immediate closure of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following student protests over the use of the institution as a temporary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, which led to a security breach, injuries, and chaos on campus.
The directive was issued by the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to prevent further breakdown of law and order and to ensure the safety of lives and property within the institution, reports The PUNCH.
The closure was confirmed in a statement today by the Acting Registrar of the Polytechnic, AbdulHafis Amin, who said the decision became necessary after tensions escalated during student protests.
The statement read, “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.
“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.”
However, some students reportedly rejected the decision, citing concerns that they had just resumed from the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The protest later escalated, prompting the intervention of security operatives.
The management disclosed that while 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 added.
Meanwhile, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution condemned the use of force against protesting students, insisting that the demonstration was peaceful.
In a statement signed by SUG President, Maruf Ibrahim ‘Analysis’, the union said students were protesting the conversion of the campus into an NYSC camp, citing concerns over safety, welfare, and academic disruption.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the protest turned chaotic when security operatives allegedly fired gunshots to disperse students, causing panic as several students reportedly collapsed and sustained injuries.
Videos circulating on social media showed a heavy security presence on campus and students fleeing the scene.
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 State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, the party accused the state government of poor planning and insensitivity, saying students have a constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“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 also called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the police officers involved and demanded a public apology from the state government.
As of time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The development adds to growing concerns over security management and student welfare in tertiary institutions across the state, as stakeholders call for dialogue and sustainable solutions that protect both academic activities and public safety.
