By Thomas Thomas
The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following tensions that erupted on campus over the use of the institution as a temporary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp.
Speaking on the development in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, the Acting Registrar of the Polytechnic, AbdulHafis Amin, explained that the state government had earlier designated the institution as a temporary NYSC orientation camp due to prevailing security challenges in the state.
He stated that while previous orientation exercises took place when students were either on break or had not fully resumed, the current exercise coincided with full academic activities on campus.
According to him, management approved a three-week break for students, effective Monday, January 19, 2026, to prevent a breakdown of law and order and ensure the successful conduct of the NYSC orientation programme.
The Acting Registrar noted that some students reacted negatively to the decision, citing their recent return from the Christmas and New Year break, a situation that led to tension and police intervention at the Polytechnic’s main gate.
He added that during the intervention, tear gas was discharged into the Polytechnic premises, including student hostels, affecting students and staff, while the institution’s Chief Security Officer sustained injuries.
Amin disclosed that, following the incident, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, directed the closure of the Polytechnic to ensure the safety of lives and property within the campus community.
He called on students, staff, and other stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as management continues to engage relevant authorities to resolve the matter promptly and peacefully.
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