Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has directed the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, to step aside from office with immediate effect.
The decision comes in the wake of a student protest that erupted on Tuesday over the alleged use of the institution’s facilities as a temporary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the governor has also approved the constitution of an investigative panel to look into the circumstances surrounding the protest.
The Rector has been instructed to hand over administrative responsibilities to the most senior Deputy Rector pending the outcome of the investigation.
As part of the government’s response, a three-member committee has been set up to examine both the immediate and underlying causes of the student unrest at the polytechnic.
The panel is chaired by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman. Other members include 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 submit its findings to the governor. Its terms of reference include investigating the causes and handling of the protest, proposing measures to prevent future occurrences, and making recommendations aimed at improving the overall growth and stability of the institution.
The panel is also expected to engage relevant stakeholders in the course of its assignment.