Students of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, have faulted the police authorities invited to their campus over the violent handling of a protest that erupted on Tuesday, insisting that the demonstration was neither political nor sponsored.
Speaking at a press conference over the weekend, the students dismissed claims that their action was influenced by political interests within the state, describing such insinuations as misleading and unfair.
They explained that the protest was triggered by long-standing grievances arising from the continued use of the institution’s facilities as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, a situation they said had severely disrupted academic life.
According to the students, the presence of corps members on campus led to the displacement of students from hostels they had paid for, interruption of lectures and campus activities, and growing concerns about personal safety.
The President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Maruf Ibrahim, said, “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 added, “What we experience is not just an administrative issue; it is a human one.”
Tracing the root of the protest, Ibrahim explained that the polytechnic had been hosting the NYSC orientation camp for several months following security challenges elsewhere in the state.
“While we recognize the importance of the NYSC scheme as a national program, its continued operation within our campus has come at a painful cost to students.
“Hostels paid for by students were taken over. Academic activities were disrupted. Sports and campus life were halted. Many students were suddenly left without shelter without clear alternatives.”
He revealed that the SUG had formally written to the polytechnic management on December 8, 2025, raising these concerns and appealing for consideration.
“We asked for understanding. We asked for planning. Above all, we asked that student welfare should not be sacrificed for administrative convenience.
“No response came.”
The students said the matter was again raised during a stakeholders’ meeting held on January 18, 2026, involving the school management, NYSC officials and the Ministry of Youth Development.
“When students were with no choice, on 18th January 2026, during a meeting involving the Polytechnic management, NYSC officials, and the Ministry of Youth Development, we again raised our fears that students would be forced out of hostels they paid for; that academic activities would be thrown into confusion; that many students, far from home and without money, would be stranded.”
Despite these warnings, the SUG said a memo was later issued declaring a three-week holiday, a decision they claimed left students unprepared and exposed.
“Despite these warnings, a memo was later issued declaring a three-week holiday, effectively sending students away without support, preparation, or consideration for their safety.”
Ibrahim noted that the union continued to pursue dialogue, appealing for calm and writing to relevant authorities on January 19, 2026.
“On 19th January 2026, the SUG appealed for calm and chose dialogue over confrontation. Letters were sent to all relevant authorities. Our demands were simple and humane: allow students in hostels to remain on campus.”
He said the failure of authorities to respond ultimately led to the peaceful protest, which he described as being met with excessive force.
“With no response and no protection, students organised a peaceful dermonstration, not to cause trouble, but to be heard. Sadly, this peaceful action was met with force.
“Security operatives entered the campus with armoured vehicles, tear gas was fired, students and staff were injured. and hostels were forcefully evacuated.
“Even the Students’ Union building was not spared. This use of force against unarmed students was unnecessary and deeply painful. Students did not choose violence. Students chose dialogue. Students chose peace.”
The students therefore called on 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, the National Association of Polytechnic Students, and the management of Kwara State Polytechnic to urgently intervene.
They warned that continued neglect of students’ welfare could worsen the situation.
“Not after more students are displaced, injured, or silenced. Peace cannot exist where students are ignored. Stability cannot be built on sutfering.”
