Management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin has been shut down the school indefinitely following a student protest over the use of the institution as a temporary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp a development that escalated into security clashes, injuries, and widespread panic on campus.
The closure was ordered by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, amid rising tensions and concerns over the safety of lives and property within the institution.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Acting Registrar of the Polytechnic, AbdulHafis Amin, said the decision became unavoidable after students rejected management’s directive granting a three-week academic break to accommodate the NYSC orientation exercise.
According to the polytechnic, the state government had designated the institution as a temporary NYSC camp due to prevailing security challenges elsewhere in the state. While previous orientation exercises were conducted during student breaks or before full academic activities resumed, the current exercise coincided with ongoing lectures and examinations.
Management said the three-week break scheduled to commence on Monday, January 19, 2026 was meant to ensure a smooth orientation programme and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
However, students opposed the decision, arguing that it disrupted their academic calendar, especially as they had just resumed from the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that what began as a peaceful protest quickly escalated after security operatives were deployed to the campus. Tear gas canisters were allegedly fired into lecture halls and student hostels, triggering chaos and stampedes.
Several students reportedly collapsed or sustained injuries during the incident, while the polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer was also said to have been injured.
Reacting to the development, the Students’ Union Government (SUG), in a statement signed by its President, Maruf Ibrahim, condemned the use of force against students, insisting that they were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest over concerns relating to safety, welfare, and academic disruption.
Videos circulating on social media showed a heavy security presence on campus, with students seen fleeing amid tear gas and confusion.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticised the state government’s handling of the situation, describing the use of force as excessive and unnecessary. The opposition party called for an independent investigation into the conduct of the security personnel involved and demanded a public apology to the affected students.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
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