Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has set up a three-member committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the recent students’ protest at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
The Governor also directed the Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, to immediately step aside pending the outcome of the investigation. The most senior Deputy Rector has been directed to assume leadership of the Polytechnic in an acting capacity.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu.
According to the statement, the investigative panel is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman. Other members are the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nafisat Buge, and the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Dr. Mrs. Mercy Olufunke Shittu.
The committee has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit a comprehensive report to the Governor. Its terms of reference include examining the immediate and remote causes of the protest, reviewing how it was handled, recommending measures to prevent a recurrence, and making broader recommendations to promote the growth and stability of the institution.
The statement added that the panel is expected to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive investigation.
Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace in tertiary institutions across the state, while stressing the importance of accountability, effective governance, and the protection of students’ welfare.
The government said the outcome of the probe will guide further actions aimed at strengthening the Polytechnic and preventing similar incidents in the future.
