A massive protest by students of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, over the temporary relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to the Polytechnic campus in Ilorin due to security concerns, had led to the Kwara State Government ordering the immediate closure of the institution.
The decision, according to the State Government, is aimed at preventing a further breakdown of law and order.
In a statement made available to Journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has also approved the constitution of a three-member Committee to investigate both the remote and immediate causes of the students’ unrest.
The Committee is chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Sulyman. Other members are the Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, and the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Dr. Mercy Olufunke Shittu.
The panel has been given a two-week deadline to submit its report to the Governor.
Its Terms of Reference (ToR) include; identifying the remote and immediate causes of the protest, evaluating the handling of the situation, recommending measures to prevent a recurrence, and proposing strategies to enhance the growth and development of Kwara State Polytechnic.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRazaq has directed the Rector of the institution, Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, to step aside with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation. The most senior Deputy Rector has been instructed to assume leadership in an acting capacity.
The Committee is also expected to engage all relevant stakeholders during the course of its assignment.
It will be recalled that protesting students of the Polytechnic had earlier accused the Rector of lacking firm control over the affairs of the institution. The students also alleged that Police operatives deployed to restore calm fired tear gas at them, an action they described as an infringement on their right to peaceful protest.
Editor: Ken Eseni
