In a decisive move to safeguard public property, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has ordered the immediate perimeter fencing of Kwara State Polytechnic. The directive aims to halt the persistent encroachment and illegal sale of the institution's land by land grabbers.
Governor's Directive to Secure School Premises
The approval was disclosed by the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. AbdulRahman Jimoh, during a media parley on 15 December 2025. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies and the Information and Publications Division of the institution.
Dr. Jimoh revealed that the over 40-year-old institution has long battled encroachment, with individuals falsely claiming ownership of parts of the school land and selling plots to unsuspecting buyers. "You all are aware that we are faced with many challenges that include encroachment and land grabbers," the rector stated.
He confirmed the governor's explicit order: "Now, our governor has given approval for the perimeter fencing of the school; this is the most recent order in Kwara Poly." Governor AbdulRazaq, however, urged caution, instructing that no encroacher's building be demolished until further notice and asking management to report any disturbances during the exercise.
A Model of Sustainable Investment in Education
Mallam Saadu Salahu, Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, who also attended the event, highlighted the administration's transformative impact on the polytechnic. He stated that Governor AbdulRazaq has turned the institution from a state of critical decay into a model of sustainable institutional investment and digital readiness.
"The governor recognises the importance of educational development as the most consequential investment outcome for a state’s sustainable economic future," Salahu said. He credited a complete systemic overhaul over the past seven years for this change, manifesting in consistent funding, fiscal responsibility, and timely payment of salaries for both academic and non-academic staff.
Salahu listed key achievements under what is termed "The Kwara Model," which includes:
- Strategic financial planning
- Infrastructure development and improved access
- State-wide school renewal
- Establishment of tertiary pillars
- Digital innovation and future readiness programs
Focus on Student Safety and Excellence
The primary motivation for the fencing project, as emphasized by the rector, is the protection and safety of the students. The governor's directive specifically ties the project's execution to ensuring a secure learning environment.
Echoing the focus on student welfare, the chairman of the occasion, Ghali Alaya, urged students to strive for excellence. He reminded them that "It is what you take out of this school that matters and remains with you for survival."
This move to physically secure Kwara Polytechnic's vast premises marks a significant step in preserving the institution's assets for future generations and solidifying the gains of the state's educational reforms.
