The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, citing worsening security conditions in the area.

The directive was contained in an internal memo dated January 20, 2026, issued by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology and sighted on Thursday. The memo, signed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, said the decision was taken on the instruction of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to the document, academic activities at the institution are to be suspended with immediate effect as part of a broader directive to shut all schools within the affected local government area due to rising insecurity.

“The measure is taken in the best interest of the safety and security of staff, students, and the surrounding community,” the memo stated.

It added that the closure would remain in force pending a comprehensive security review and further directives from the state government. The management of the college was also directed to ensure immediate compliance and submit a report to the ministry without delay.

The decision comes amid heightened security challenges in parts of Kwara South and North, where incidents of banditry, kidnappings, and other criminal activities have been reported in recent months.

The state government has taken similar precautionary steps in recent times, including the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp from Yikpata to Ilorin and the temporary closure of some schools in volatile areas.

However, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the move, accusing the AbdulRazaq-led administration of capitulating to insecurity.

In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP described the closure of the college as an admission of failure by the government.

“The decision to shut down the College of Education, Oro, under the pretext of insecurity, shows a lack of a clear strategy to tackle criminality. Rather than confront the problem, the government has chosen to surrender to criminals,” the party said.

The PDP warned that the closure would worsen economic and educational hardship in Kwara South, describing the institution as a major pillar of development in the area.

“Education must not become the casualty of insecurity. A government that claims to be addressing security challenges cannot justify closing schools while markets and other public places remain open,” the statement added.

The party also accused the governor of poor leadership and called on traditional rulers and stakeholders to intervene, warning that the action could set a dangerous precedent.

“If the governor cannot guarantee the safety of lives and property, honour demands that he steps aside rather than shutting down the future of our children,” the PDP said.

The closure comes days after the state government ordered the shutdown of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following student protests over the use of the institution as a temporary NYSC orientation camp.