NYSC camp: Gov. AbdulRazaq directs closure of KwaraPoly over protest

Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara has directed the closure of Kwara Polytechnic, to ensure the safety of lives and property in the entire Polytechnic community.

The directive is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Registrar, AbdulHafis Amin, on Tuesday, in Ilorin.

According to the statement, the state government had earlier designated Kwarapoly as the temporary orientation camp for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) following prevailing security challenges in Kwara.

“During the first camp exercise, students were on break, during the second, students had not fully resumed, however, for the current exercise, students are fully in session.

“To manage the situation and prevent any breach of law and order, the Management granted students a three-week break effective Monday, to facilitate the successful conduct of the NYSC orientation camp,” he said.

The Acting registrar said that some students reacted negatively to the school’s directive, on the grounds that they had just resumed from the yuletide break.

He said that the students’ reaction caused tension which necessitated police intervention.

“The police were initially tasked with dispersing the crowd at the Polytechnic’s main gate.

“Unfortunately, some officers went beyond their mandate by throwing tear gas canisters into the Polytechnic premises, including student hostels.

“This action adversely affected several students and staff, including Polytechnic’s Chief Security Officer, who sustained injury,” he said.

The Management consequently, enjoined all students, staff, and stakeholders, to remain calm and cooperative, as they continue to engage with relevant authorities to resolve the matter amicably.