KWASU Shut Down Indefinitely Following Controversial Appointment.

The management of Kwara State University, Malete (KWASU) has announced a temporary shut down of the University until further notice, following the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor by the State Government.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Sakah Mahmud, announced the decision to shut down the University on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital. According to him, the temporary closure of the University is to serve as a preventive measure against any possible breakdown of law and order.

While speaking, he emphasised that this is the first time the University will halt operations since its establishment in 2009.

On the 7^th of May, the State Government reportedly announced the appointment of Professor Kenneth Adeyemi as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, pending the expiration Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah’s tenure in July.

The governing council of the University, however, dissociated itself from the appointed official, stating that his appointment was not in line with the laws of the institution.

The governor’s decision generated an uproar, which culminated in a protest by students of the institution, where they demanded that the Governor of the State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, reverse his decision within 24 hours.

The full statement of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) reads as follows:

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 Chairman of the Council, 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 contingency 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 leads 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.