BREAKING: KWARA Varsity Shut Down Over Government Appointment

The Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete has been temporarily shut down until further notice by the school management.

This is following recent development in the institution, particularly over the students’ reactions to the State government’s appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor for the university.

KWASU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Sakah Mahmud, said the decision to close down the university was taken to forestall any disturbances within the school environment. 

He added that it’s the first time the institution will be shutdown since it was established in 2009. 

Professor Mahmud disclosed that the decision was reached at a meeting of the university Governing Council held yesterday.

The State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed recently appointed Prof. Kenneth Adeyemi as acting VC of the institution and directed the incumbent VC to proceed on a terminal leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure in July.

This decision of the governor has continued to generate several reactions and uproar, which made students of the university to stage protest yesterday demanding that Governor Ahmed reverse his decision within 24 hours.

The full statement of the DVC Administration reads; 

Dear University Community,

Because of recent developments in our state and in the University and our students’ reactions to the Government’s appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor in which the students gave a 24 hour ultimatum to government, the University Management (and three University Members of the Governing Council) met yesterday, Wednesday, 8 May, 2019 and decided to temporarily close the university until further notice as a preventive measure against any possible disturbances.

I want to re-emphasize that this measure is to ensure the security of our great campus. I am in touch with the Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, and he indicates total support that closing the campus at this time is desirable. Thank God that exams have been completed and gradings are still ongoing, with some lecturers already uploading their grades.

Staff and students should leave the University quietly and ensure the safety of property and life. Reports reaching me indicates that a contingence of police (in vehicles belonging to KWIRS) were being driven towards the campus and it took some intervention to get them to return to Ilorin. KWASU does not want any situation in which the ongoing temporary crisis which would be safely and easily resolved by the grace of God lead into the loss of any life. Please take your luggage and other personal properties and go home safely until further notice.

Please this decision goes into effect immediately.

The Office of Campus Safety is hereby notified and to please monitor everywhere to ensure peace and safety on campus.