Kwara State Government orders the immediate closure of Kwara State College of Education, Oro, amid the rising security concerns.
According to report, the directive was contained in an internal memo dated January 20, 2026, issued by the Kwara State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology.
The memo, signed by Commissioner for Tertiary Education Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, instructed the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, to immediately halt all academic activities.
This shutdown aligns with the directive from Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, addressing urgent security concerns in the area.
Management must comply with immediate effect to ensure safety amid rising insecurity linked to the Oro festival.
Rising Insecurity
The decision to close the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, responds directly to escalating insecurity surrounding the institution.
This action forms part of a wider directive from the Kwara State Government to shut down all schools in the affected local government area.
Authorities aim to safeguard students, staff, and property amid ongoing threats linked to regional security challenges.
“The measure is taken in the best interest of the safety and security of staff, students and the surrounding community,” the memo read.
The Kwara State College of Education, Oro, closure remains in effect until authorities complete a full security assessment.
A comprehensive review process will evaluate threats around the institution and broader local government area risks.
The shutdown persists pending further directives from the Kwara State Government on resuming academic activities.
“You are hereby instructed to take immediate steps to direct the Management of the College to temporarily close the institution forthwith,”the memo stated.
The college authorities were also directed to submit a report of compliance to the ministry without delay.
Heightened Security Challenges
Kwara South and Kwara North regions face intensified security threats from banditry and kidnappings in recent months.
Communities report frequent criminal incidents, prompting government intervention to protect educational institutions.
This college closure reflects ongoing efforts to address widespread insecurity across affected Kwara State areas.
Kwara State Government previously relocated the NYSC orientation camp from Yikpata to Ilorin for security reasons.
Temporary closures of schools in volatile areas demonstrate consistent precautionary approach to regional threats.
These steps underscore proactive responses to banditry and kidnappings affecting Kwara South and North.
However, the PDP opposition in the state criticised the decision, accusing the AbdulRazaq administration of “surrendering to insecurity.”
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party described the closure as an admission of failure.
“The directive to shut down the College of Education, Oro, under the guise of insecurity shows that the government has no coherent strategy for tackling insecurity and has instead chosen to surrender to criminals,” the PDP said.
Educational Impact
The institution provides essential education services supporting regional development and community stability.
Closure risks exacerbating economic hardship across the region amid existing security challenges.
“Education must not become the casualty of insecurity.
The Peoples Democratic Party also accused the governor of poor leadership and absence from the state.
Urging traditional rulers and other stakeholders to speak out against what it described as a dangerous precedent.
“If the Governor cannot protect lives and property, then honour demands that he steps aside instead of shutting down the future of our children,” the party said.
Recent Polytechnic Shutdown
Kwara State Government ordered Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin’s closure days ago due to student protests.
Students opposed the institution’s use as a temporary NYSC orientation camp, causing major disruptions.
This follows the College of Education, Oro shutdown, reflecting ongoing security and operational challenges.
