The Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode, has been forced to move its staff and students to Ilorin after escalating bandit attacks in Kwara South created fears for their safety.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq gave the approval for the relocation following last Sunday’s assault in Oke-Ode, where gunmen killed 12 residents and abducted several others in a dawn raid that left the community in shock.
Confirming the development, the school’s spokesperson, AbdulHafeez Oyewole, said the institution is now running temporarily at the Institute of Technology mini campus of the Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin.
He explained that academic activities were swiftly restored to avoid disrupting the learning calendar.
“Our priority is the safety of students and staff. By moving to Ilorin, we are ensuring learning continues without putting lives at risk,” Oyewole said.
The Provost of the college, Alhaji Olanrewaju AbdulQaudri, who oversaw the relocation exercise completed midweek, told staff members during a briefing that the decision was an unavoidable response to insecurity.
“This was not an easy choice, but it was the only way to protect our community after the tragic killings in Oke-Ode,” the Provost stated.
He urged both teaching and non-teaching staff to remain dedicated, while reminding students to adapt quickly, remain disciplined, and stay alert to their surroundings.
During a tour of the temporary facilities, AbdulQaudri reassured students that the management would continue to provide necessary support despite the challenges of operating away from the college’s permanent site.
He also expressed hope that peace would soon return to Oke-Ode, allowing the institution to resume normal activities in its original location.
“We are optimistic that these trying times will not last forever. Once calm is restored, the college will return home stronger,” he added.
The relocation underscores the growing toll of banditry on education in the region, where communities continue to grapple with violent attacks and mass abductions.