Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has constituted a three-member panel to investigate the causes of the recent students’ protest at the Kwara State Polytechnic.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Saadatu Modibbo-Kawu, confirmed this in a statement issued on Wednesday. She disclosed that the governor had earlier ordered the closure of the polytechnic on Tuesday to safeguard lives and property following unrest sparked by the students’ protest.
According to Modibbo-Kawu, the investigative committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Sulyman. Other members of the panel include the Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, and the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Mercy Shittu.
She explained that the committee has been given two weeks to submit its report, which will examine both the immediate and remote causes of the protest, as well as how the situation was handled. The panel is also expected to recommend measures to prevent a recurrence and propose strategies to support the growth and stability of the institution.
The commissioner added that the panel would engage all relevant stakeholders in the course of its assignment to ensure a thorough and balanced investigation.
Meanwhile, Modibbo-Kawu disclosed that the governor has directed the Rector of the polytechnic, Abdul Jimoh, to step aside with immediate effect pending further notice. She said the most senior Deputy Rector has been directed to take charge of the institution in an interim capacity.