Security fears force closure of Kwara College of Education

The Kwara State Government has directed the temporary shutdown of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, following escalating security threats in the host community.

The decision was conveyed through an internal memorandum dated January 20, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology. The documentinstructed the institution to halt all academic activities with immediate effect.

Signed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, the memo stated that the order was issued on the directive of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The government explained that the move was prompted by deteriorating security conditions around the college and aligned with a wider directive to suspend operations in educational institutions located within the affected local government area.

“The measure is taken in the best interest of the safety and security of staff, students and the surrounding community,” the memo read.

It further noted that the closure would remain effective until a thorough security assessment is concluded and fresh instructions are issued by the state authorities.

“You are hereby instructed to take immediate steps to direct the Management of the College to temporarily close the institution forthwith,” the document added.

In addition, the college management was ordered to forward a formal report confirming compliance to the ministry without delay.

The development comes against the backdrop of rising insecurity in parts of Kwara South and North, where incidents of banditry, abductions and other criminal activities have been reported in recent months.

The action mirrors earlier preventive steps taken by the state government, including the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp from Yikpata to Ilorin, as well as the temporary closure of schools in other high-risk areas.