Kwara Governor Orders Closure of Kwara Polytechnic Over NYSC Camp Crisis

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has ordered the immediate closure of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following a breakdown of law and order linked to the temporary relocation of the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp to the institution.

The decision was taken after rising tension erupted within the Polytechnic community over the use of the campus as a temporary NYSC orientation facility due to prevailing security concerns at the Yikpata permanent camp.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Ilorin by the Acting Registrar of the Polytechnic, Abdulhafiz Amin, the governor directed the closure as a precautionary measure to protect lives and property within the institution.

The state government had earlier approved the Polytechnic as a temporary orientation camp for the NYSC to ensure the safety of corps members amid security challenges in the state. The arrangement had previously been implemented without incident when students were either on break or had not fully resumed academic activities.

However, the current orientation exercise coincided with the resumption of academic activities, with students fully in session. To prevent disruption and maintain order, the Polytechnic management announced a three-week academic break for students beginning Monday, January 19, 2026, to allow the NYSC programme to proceed smoothly.

According to the management, some students reacted negatively to the directive, citing the fact that they had only recently returned from the Christmas and New Year holidays. The situation escalated, leading to tension around the main gate of the institution and prompting police intervention.

The statement explained that while security operatives were deployed to disperse the gathering, some officers allegedly exceeded their mandate by firing tear gas canisters into the Polytechnic premises, including student hostels. The action reportedly affected several students and staff members, with the institution’s Chief Security Officer sustaining injuries.

Following the incident, Governor Abdulrazaq ordered the closure of the Polytechnic to prevent further escalation and to safeguard the entire Polytechnic community.

The management of Kwara State Polytechnic has appealed to students, staff, and stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative while discussions continue with relevant authorities to resolve the situation peacefully and as quickly as possible.

The closure underscores the state government’s commitment to maintaining public safety while balancing educational activities and national obligations such as the NYSC programme.