The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of two schools in Ilorin following repeated incidents of student unrest that resulted in violent clashes and property damage.
Government High School and Government Day Secondary School, both located in Adeta, Ilorin, were shut down after authorities documented multiple episodes of violence, disruption of academic activities, and vandalism of school property.
Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, the State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, confirmed the closure on Wednesday, stating that the decision was necessary to restore order and ensure the safety of both students and staff.
"The closure is a temporary but necessary measure to address the concerning pattern of unrest we've witnessed at these institutions," Dr. Olohungbebe explained.
Despite the closure, an exception has been made for students currently sitting for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSSCE). These students and their teachers will be permitted on school premises during the examination period, but must wear their school identification cards to gain entry into the compound.
The Commissioner issued a stern warning to parents and guardians, urging them to ensure their children remain at home during this period. He emphasized that any student found violating this directive would be apprehended by security officers deployed to enforce compliance.
"We take the safety and security of our educational institutions very seriously," Dr. Olohungbebe added. "The government remains committed to maintaining discipline and ensuring a safe learning environment across all public schools in Kwara State."
This development comes amid growing concerns about student behavior and discipline in schools across the state. Education authorities have not yet announced when the affected schools will reopen, suggesting that a thorough assessment of the situation will be conducted before normal academic activities resume.
The state government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for violence and disruption in educational institutions, promising to implement additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
