The Kwara State government has ordered the immediate closure of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, following worsening security concerns in the area.
The directive was contained in an internal memo dated January 20, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology and addressed to relevant authorities overseeing the institution.
“You are hereby instructed to take immediate steps to direct the Management of the College to temporarily close the institution forthwith,” the memo, signed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, read.
The directive was signed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, who said the decision was taken in line with the instruction of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
According to the document, the closure followed growing insecurity around the institution and formed part of the state government’s broader 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 memo stated.
It added that the closure would remain in force pending a comprehensive security review and further directives from the state government.
Authorities of the college were also mandated to submit a report of compliance to the ministry without delay.
The sudden shutdown has disrupted academic activities at the institution, with students and staff directed to vacate the campus as security agencies intensify monitoring of the area.
The development comes amid heightened security concerns across parts of Kwara South and Kwara North, where several communities have recorded cases of banditry, kidnappings and other criminal activities in recent months.
Residents of the areas have repeatedly raised the alarm over the deteriorating security situation and the impact on education and economic activities.
The closure of the College of Education, Oro, follows similar precautionary actions earlier taken by the state government, including the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp from Yikpata in the Edu Local Government Area to Ilorin, as well as the temporary shutdown of some schools located in volatile communities.