The Kwara State Government has appointed Dr Awolola Felicia Olabisi as the Acting Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following the directive of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq that the former rector, Abdul Jimoh Mohamed, step aside pending the outcome of an investigation into recent student protests.

The protests reportedly stemmed from the temporary relocation of the NYSC orientation camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to the permanent site of the polytechnic in Ilorin.

Dr Olabisi, an academic and administrator, is to assume office immediately and oversee the affairs of the institution during the period of inquiry. She is expected to ensure continuity of academic activities, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and maintain a secure and stable learning environment for students and staff.

In a related development, the governor constituted a three-member committee to investigate both the immediate and remote causes of the unrest, as well as the management’s response to the situation.

The panel is chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ibrahim Sulyman. Other members include the Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge, and the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, Dr (Mrs) Mercy Olufunke Shittu.

The committee has been given two weeks to submit its report, with a mandate to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences and propose strategies for the institution’s growth.

Government sources said the directive for the rector to step aside followed allegations that he misrepresented the governor’s position by claiming the institution was shut down on the governor’s order after the protest.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, said the panel will engage relevant stakeholders in the course of its assignment.