Kwara Polytechnic SUG Calls for Intervention from FG and IGP Amidst Campus Crisis

The Student Union Government (SUG) of Kwara State Polytechnic has made an urgent appeal to both the Federal Government and the Inspector-General of Police for intervention concerning a crisis that has arisen on campus due to the institution being utilized as an orientation camp for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The union expressed concerns over security threats, disruptions to academic schedules, and an instance of alleged police violence that occurred during a recent student protest.

According to Daily Trust, this appeal follows the decision by the state government to suspend the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, while ordering a comprehensive investigation into the preceding protest.

In response to the situation, the government also placed the institution on temporary closure to safeguard the welfare of both students and staff.

While addressing the media in Ilorin on Thursday, the SUG President, Maruf Ibrahim, criticized what he termed as the adverse use of force against defenseless students during a demonstration, labeling the incident as "painful and inhumane."

He remarked, "This has transcended a mere administrative issue. Students have faced undue difficulties as the campus serves as a shelter for corps members, even amidst significant safety concerns."

Ibrahim acknowledged the positive role played by the NYSC scheme in fostering national cohesion but stated that the ongoing use of the polytechnic as a training camp imposed excessive burdens on the student body.

“It has compromised our safety, limited our access to housing, and interrupted our educational activities,” he emphasized.

The SUG also noted their continuous efforts to address the matter through discussions with the management of the polytechnic, the Ministry of Youth Development, and NYSC officials, all of which yielded no resolution.

Ibrahim shared: "Our initial communication to the management was sent on December 8, 2025, urging that student welfare not be jeopardized, but there was no feedback. During a meeting on January 18, the union reiterated concerns regarding the coercive eviction of students from their dormitories, the suspension of academic activities, and the potential for students being left without assistance."

“Despite our warnings, the management proceeded with an abrupt three-week recess, instructing students to leave campus without ensuring appropriate safety or welfare measures,” he stated.

Further requests for students to remain in their hostels, secure their belongings, and to cease using the polytechnic as an NYSC camp beyond the current cohort were ignored.

“None of our appeals were fulfilled,” Ibrahim added.

He stated that the lack of response from the administration prompted a peaceful protest, which escalated when security forces became involved.

“Security officials entered the campus with armored vehicles, deploying tear gas against students and staff. Hostels were forcibly evacuated, and even our office was impacted,” Ibrahim recounted.

He condemned this police action, questioning the orders under which the security personnel were acting.

“Our demonstration was conducted peacefully. There was no reason for such brute force,” he asserted.

The SUG called upon the polytechnic's administration to prioritize student welfare over convenience in administration.

Furthermore, the union urged the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) to intervene promptly to avert an escalation of the current crisis.