SAR’s Academic Freedom Monitoring Project investigates and reports attacks on higher education with the aim of raising awareness, generating advocacy, and increasing protection for scholars, students, and academic communities. Starting July 1, 2026, SAR no longer publishes reports for the incidents that it records. SAR continues to monitor and record incidents that will be used in the annual Free to Think report. This page provides a record of incidents reported up to that date. Learn more about the Academic Freedom Monitoring Project.

Date of Incident: January 20, 2026

Attack Types: Killings, Violence, Disappearances

Institution(s):Kwara State Polytechnic

Region & Country:Western Africa | Nigeria

New or Ongoing:New Incident

On January 20, 2026, Kwara State police used tear gas against students protesting the temporary closure of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin (KSP), to accommodate the relocation of an unaffiliated group.

The Kwara State Government had decided to temporarily relocate a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp from its permanent site in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, due to rising insecurity, including banditry and kidnappings. The government instructed KSP students to vacate the campus for three weeks to accommodate the NYSC orientation, disrupting their academic activities.

Students claimed that the administration ignored their efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue. They held a peaceful demonstration on campus protesting the decision and arguing that they had paid for their lodging and should not be forced to vacate for the corps members, particularly considering the lack of alternative housing. During the protest, students blocked the main campus gate. KSP reportedly called the police, who drove into campus and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to multiple injuries.

Following the protests, the Kwara State Government ordered the immediate closure of KSP to prevent further unrest.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. In addition, while state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://theinformant247.com/kwara-poly-students-condemn-police-brutalitycalls-for-relocation-of-nysc-activities-from-campus/
https://punchng.com/kwara-shuts-poly-after-students-protest/
https://www.facebook.com/100063544629927/posts/video-kwara-poly-students-vow-to-continue-protest-tomorrow-condemn-police-brutal/1463883529073121/