Kwara Polytechnic Students Demand Accountability from Police Over Protest Response
Students of Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin have made a passionate appeal to policymakers and stakeholders, urging them to hold police officials accountable for their handling of a recent campus protest. The students have categorically denied any political sponsorship or external manipulation behind their demonstration against the continued use of their facilities by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Protest Misconstrued as Politically Motivated
During a press conference held over the weekend, the students expressed profound shock that their Tuesday protest response to what they described as police brutality was being erroneously misconstrued and treated as politically induced. This comes amid ongoing insinuations that the student unrest might be connected to broader political dynamics within Kwara State.
The students lamented the severe disruptions caused by the NYSC's extended stay on their campus, detailing how their academic pursuits were interrupted, their accommodation was taken over, and their safety was compromised. Our voices were ignored, they emphasized, painting a picture of institutional neglect.
Student Union President Clarifies Position
Maruf Ibrahim, President of the Students' Union Government (SUG), stated unequivocally: Let us be clear. This struggle is not political, sponsored, or manipulated by any external force. It is the genuine cry of students defending their welfare, dignity, and right to education. He described the situation as not merely an administrative issue but a profound human concern.
Ibrahim explained the root cause of the protest, revealing that for several months, the polytechnic premises have been utilized as an NYSC orientation camp due to security challenges in the state. While acknowledging the importance of the NYSC as a national program, he highlighted the painful consequences for students:
- Hostels paid for by students were taken over without adequate alternatives
- Academic activities faced significant disruption
- Sports and campus life were brought to a complete halt
- Many students were left suddenly without shelter
Failed Attempts at Dialogue
The SUG president detailed their efforts to resolve the matter through official channels. On December 8, 2025, the union formally wrote to the polytechnic management, respectfully outlining their challenges and requesting that student welfare not be sacrificed for administrative convenience. No response came, he noted.
When students found themselves with no other options, they raised their concerns during a meeting on January 18, 2026, involving polytechnic management, NYSC officials, and the Ministry of Youth Development. They warned specifically about students being forced out of paid hostels, academic confusion, and potential stranding of students without resources.
Despite these warnings, a memo was issued declaring a three-week holiday, effectively sending students away without proper support, preparation, or consideration for their safety.
Peaceful Protest Met with Violent Response
On January 19, the SUG appealed for calm and chose dialogue over confrontation, sending letters to all relevant authorities with simple, humane demands: allow students in hostels to remain on campus. When these appeals were ignored, students organized what they describe as a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday.
With no response and no protection, students organized a peaceful demonstration, not to cause trouble, but to be heard, Ibrahim recalled. Sadly, this peaceful action was met with force.
He described a troubling scene where security operatives entered the campus with armored vehicles, fired tear gas, injured students and staff, and forcefully evacuated hostels. Even the Students' Union building was not spared from the crackdown. This use of force against unarmed students was unnecessary and deeply painful, he stated, emphasizing that students had chosen dialogue and peace, not violence.
Call for Immediate Intervention
The students have now called for urgent intervention from multiple authorities, including:
- The Federal Ministry of Youth Development
- The Director-General of the NYSC
- The Inspector-General of Police
- The Department of State Services
- The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
- The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)
- The Management of Kwara State Polytechnic
They urged these stakeholders to act not after more students are displaced, injured, or silenced, warning that peace cannot exist where students are ignored and stability cannot be built on suffering.
The situation at Kwara State Polytechnic highlights the ongoing tension between institutional priorities and student welfare, with the students maintaining that their protest was a legitimate response to genuine grievances rather than any political manipulation.
