From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has announced a temporary closure of the institution following unrest by students over a government-directed break to accommodate the ongoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp.
The Polytechnic explained that the State Government had designated the campus as a temporary NYSC orientation site due to security concerns in other areas of Kwara State. While previous orientation exercises coincided with student holidays, the current exercise occurs while students are fully in session. To manage disruptions, the management granted a three-week break starting Monday, January 19, 2026.
“The break was intended to ensure the smooth conduct of the NYSC orientation and safeguard both students and staff,” said AbdulHafis Amin, Acting Registrar of the Polytechnic. “Unfortunately, some students expressed frustration, claiming they had just returned from the Christmas and New Year break. This led to tensions that required police intervention.”
The Polytechnic stated that police officers, tasked with dispersing crowds at the main gate, went beyond their mandate, deploying tear gas into campus areas, including student hostels. The incident reportedly affected several students and staff, and the Chief Security Officer sustained injuries.
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Reacting to the events, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq, directed the immediate closure of the Polytechnic, citing concerns for the safety of lives and property.
Management has appealed to students, staff, and stakeholders to remain calm while discussions with relevant authorities continue. “We urge everyone to cooperate as we work to resolve this matter amicably and swiftly,” Amin added.
