Nigeria: Kwara Poly Shut As Police Teargas Students Over NYSC Camp Relocation

By Mumini Abdulkareem, Ilorin

Tension gripped Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, on Tuesday after police officers fired tear gas at students protesting the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp to the institution.

The protest began when students blocked the main gate to stop newly deployed corps members from accessing the campus.

The corps members were relocated from the Yipkata Permanent Orientation Camp in Edu Local Government Area due to rising insecurity in Kwara North.

Eyewitnesses said the protest was initially peaceful but escalated after security operatives were invited to disperse the students.

Videos circulating online showed students fleeing as a police van entered the campus, while tear gas canisters were fired within the premises, including hostels, affecting students and staff.

Confirming the incident, the Acting Registrar, AbdulHafis Amin, said some police officers "went beyond their mandate" by throwing tear gas into hostels.

He explained that the polytechnic was designated a temporary NYSC camp because of security concerns, noting that previous exercises were held during academic breaks.

According to him, the current exercise coincided with a full academic session, prompting management to announce a three-week break from January 19, 2026, to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

He added that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq ordered the immediate closure of the polytechnic to safeguard lives and property.

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