Dr Awolola Felicia Olabisi has been appointed as the Acting Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

Her appointment follows a directive by Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, asking the immediate past rector, Abdul Jimoh Mohamed, to step aside pending an investigation into recent student protests. The protests were sparked by the temporary relocation of the NYSC orientation camp at Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to the permanent site of the polytechnic in Ilorin.

Dr Olabisi, a seasoned academic and administrator, is expected to assume office immediately, bringing her wealth of experience and leadership to guide the institution through the current transition.

As acting rector, she is charged with ensuring uninterrupted academic activities, engaging relevant stakeholders, and maintaining a safe, stable, and productive environment for students and staff.

Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrazaq has constituted a three-man committee to investigate both the immediate and remote causes of the students’ protest and the manner in which it was handled. The governor also directed the former rector to step aside pending the outcome of the probe.

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

The panel has been given two weeks to submit its report. Its terms of reference include examining the causes of the protest, proposing measures to prevent a recurrence, and making recommendations aimed at strengthening the growth and stability of the institution.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the committee will engage all relevant stakeholders in the course of its assignment.