The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, following growing security concerns in the area, a move that has triggered criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The directive, contained in an internal memo dated January 20, 2026, was issued by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology and signed by the Commissioner, Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu.
The memo instructed the management of the College of Education, Oro, to suspend all academic activities with immediate effect, citing approval from Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
The decision, according to the ministry, was prompted by worsening insecurity around the institution and forms part of a broader directive affecting schools within the 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 stated.
It added that the closure would remain in force pending the outcome of a comprehensive security review, after which further directives would be issued. The management of the college was also directed to submit a compliance report to the ministry without delay.
Reacting to the development, the PDP in Kwara State faulted the decision, accusing the Abdulrazaq administration of failing to confront the security challenges head-on.
In a statement signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP described the closure as “surrendering to criminals,” warning that it could deepen economic and educational hardship in Kwara South.
“Education must not become the casualty of insecurity,” the party said, while calling on traditional rulers and other stakeholders to intervene to prevent long-term disruption to learning in the area.
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