The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, following rising insecurity in the area and its surrounding communities. The decision has led to the suspension of academic activities at the institution, with students and staff directed to vacate the campus until further notice.
The directive was contained in an internal memo dated January 20, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology. The memo was addressed to authorities responsible for overseeing the management of the college.
According to the memo, the closure was approved by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and signed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu.
“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 state government explained that the decision was taken due to worsening security conditions around the institution. The memo noted that the closure was part of a wider directive to shut down all schools 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 document added.
The government said the closure would remain in force until a full security review is carried out and further instructions are given. The management of the college has also been directed to submit a report confirming compliance with the order to the ministry without delay.
Following the directive, students were asked to leave the campus, while security agencies were deployed to monitor the area and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The sudden closure has disrupted academic activities at the College of Education, Oro, which serves thousands of students from different parts of Kwara State and neighbouring states. Many students were reportedly caught unprepared, as the directive came during the academic session.
Some students expressed concern about the impact of the closure on their studies, especially those preparing for examinations and teaching practice. Others said they understood the decision, noting that safety must come first.
A student of the college, who asked not to be named, said, “It is painful because our studies have been interrupted, but we cannot risk our lives. The security situation around here has been worrying for some time.”
Members of staff were also affected, as academic and non-academic activities were brought to a halt. Lecturers and other workers were advised to stay away from the campus until the government gives further directives.
The closure comes amid increasing security challenges in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North. In recent months, several communities in these areas have experienced cases of banditry, kidnappings, and other criminal activities.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about attacks on travellers, farmers, and rural communities. Some roads have become unsafe, especially at night, while fear has spread among residents and business owners.
Local sources said the presence of criminal groups in nearby forests has contributed to the growing insecurity, making it difficult for security agencies to fully contain the situation.
Education stakeholders have warned that continued insecurity could have long-term effects on access to education, especially in rural areas.
The Kwara State College of Education, Oro, is one of the state-owned tertiary institutions established to train teachers for primary and secondary schools. Over the years, the college has played an important role in teacher education and manpower development in Kwara State.
The institution attracts students from across the state and beyond, contributing to the local economy of Oro and surrounding communities. Businesses such as hostels, food vendors, and transport services depend heavily on the presence of students and staff.
With the closure, many residents fear a slowdown in economic activities in the area, even as they welcome steps aimed at improving security.
This is not the first time the Kwara State Government has taken precautionary measures in response to security threats. In the past, the government relocated the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to Ilorin due to similar concerns.
The state government has also ordered the temporary closure of some primary and secondary schools located in communities considered unsafe. These decisions, according to officials, were taken to prevent loss of lives and protect young people.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has repeatedly said his administration will not compromise on the safety of residents. He has assured that security agencies are working round the clock to restore peace in affected areas.
While many residents support the government’s decision, there are growing calls for lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the state. Community leaders and parents have urged the government to strengthen security operations and address the root causes of crime.
Some have also called for better collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups, as well as improved intelligence gathering.
Education advocates have warned that prolonged closures of schools and tertiary institutions could worsen learning gaps and affect the future of students.
For now, the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, will remain closed until the state government completes its security review and issues new directives. Students and staff are expected to await official communication on when academic activities will resume.
