Kwara Poly Students Clash with Authorities Over NYSC Hostel Takeover
Students of Kwara State Polytechnic engaged in a tense confrontation with security forces on Tuesday, as a peaceful demonstration against the state government's decision to accommodate National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in their paid hostels escalated into chaos. The protest, which began as a vocal plea for academic continuity, quickly turned distressing when police operatives reportedly fired teargas to disperse the crowd, leaving many students injured and fearful.
Students Decry Displacement and Academic Uncertainty
The core of the students' grievance centers on their sudden displacement from hostels they had already paid for, with many returning to campus only to find their rooms occupied by NYSC corps members. "We paid for these hostels," one visibly shaken student emphasized, highlighting the financial and emotional toll of the situation. "Some of us don't even have alternative accommodation in Ilorin during this period," they added, underscoring the practical hardships faced.
With examinations looming just days away, students expressed deep anxiety over their academic futures. They criticized the government's consideration of a three-week break for affected students, arguing that it represents poor planning and a disregard for their education. "How do you send students away at a time like this?" a tearful student questioned, pointing to the disruption caused by the relocation of corps members into an active academic environment.
Protest Turns Chaotic with Police Intervention
What started as a peaceful gathering at the school gate, where students locked it briefly to demand the relocation of NYSC members, took a violent turn when police arrived on the scene. Eyewitnesses described moments of terror as officers allegedly aimed guns at protesters and fired teargas without prior warning. "They didn't talk to us for long. Suddenly, teargas was fired. People started running," a female student recounted, detailing the panic that ensued.
Several students reported sustaining minor injuries, while others experienced chest pain, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties after inhaling the teargas. "Why would police treat students like criminals?" one protester asked in frustration, condemning the use of force against unarmed individuals. The students' placards, which called for the reopening of the school and resumption of academic activities, became symbols of their thwarted efforts to be heard.
Dire Living Conditions and Political Reactions
With hostels now occupied by NYSC corps members, many Kwara Poly students have been forced into dire living situations, including sleeping on classroom floors. A photo shared exclusively with Legit.ng depicted rows of students lying in makeshift accommodations, highlighting the growing frustration and hardship on campus.
In response to the incident, the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a statement condemning the police action. The party described the crisis as a result of "poor planning, lack of foresight, and failure of leadership," and demanded an immediate investigation into the conduct of the officers involved. They also called for a public apology to the students and urgent alternative accommodation for NYSC members that would not disrupt academic activities.
Broader Implications and Student Appeals
Beyond the immediate clash, students voiced broader concerns about police brutality and governmental insensitivity in Kwara State. "Police brutality in Kwara is getting worse," a student leader asserted, urging the state Commissioner of Police to rein in his officers. They also appealed to the government to address insecurity at original NYSC camps instead of displacing students, emphasizing that their education should not be sacrificed due to administrative shortcomings.
As of the reporting time, neither the Kwara State government nor the police had issued an official response, leaving students in a state of uncertainty. "We just want to go to school, read, and write our exams," one student said quietly, encapsulating the simple yet unmet demands of the protesting youth. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between student welfare and governmental decisions in Nigeria's educational landscape.
