Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has suspended the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, with immediate effect following a disruptive student protest on Tuesday.
The unrest arose from opposition to the polytechnic's ongoing role as a temporary orientation camp for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a measure implemented due to security challenges affecting other potential sites in the state.
In a statement issued Wednesday by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the governor directed the rector to step aside pending further notice. The most senior Deputy Rector has been appointed to act in the interim.
Governor AbdulRazaq also constituted a three-member investigative panel to examine the incident. Chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, the committee includes Commissioner for Environment Hon. Nafisat Buge and Permanent Secretary for Service Welfare, Dr. Mercy Olufunke Shittu.
The panel has two weeks to submit its report and has been tasked with:
Determining the remote and immediate causes of the protest and its management
Proposing measures to avoid similar disruptions in the future
Offering recommendations to support the institution's growth and stability
The committee is expected to consult students, staff, management, and other stakeholders.
The protest began after polytechnic authorities announced a three-week student break starting January 19, 2026, to enable the NYSC orientation to proceed without interference.
Earlier orientations had occurred during holidays or partial resumption periods, but this time students had recently returned from the Christmas and New Year break, fueling discontent.
Tensions escalated when some students resisted the directive, leading to a demonstration at the main gate.
Police were deployed to restore order, but reports indicate that certain officers fired tear gas canisters into the campus, including student hostels.
Several students and staff members were affected, with injuries reported including to the institution's Chief Security Officer.In response, the governor ordered the polytechnic's immediate closure to safeguard lives and property and prevent further escalation.
An earlier statement from Acting Registrar AbdulHafis Amin attributed the temporary NYSC camp designation to prevailing security concerns and stressed management's intent to maintain peace.
Authorities have appealed for calm as efforts continue to resolve the issues amicably.
The developments highlight tensions between accommodating national service obligations and protecting the academic environment and student welfare in Kwara State's tertiary institutions.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com