Gateway Polytechnic in Sapaade, Ogun State, has been closed by its management due to recurring robbery attacks targeting students. The institution has instructed students to remain off-campus for the next two weeks.
Reports indicated that armed assailants have been repeatedly targeting students, robbing them of their belongings, and perpetrating assaults, including incidents of sexual assault against female students.
The most recent robbery resulted in the tragic death of a student, with around nine others sustaining injuries. Over the past fortnight, these attackers have conducted more than three assaults on students and locals in Isara, Ipara, and Ode communities.
Reacting to these continuous assaults, students staged a protest last week to voice their concerns. Consequently, the management made the decision to close the school until stability and security were reinstated.
In an official memorandum signed by the Acting Registrar, J O Popoola, the Polytechnic announced the initiation of online classes for students who had recently commenced the 2023/2024 academic session.
The President of the Student Union Government, Olatunji Idowu Alexander, also confirmed the closure of the institution on Monday.
The memo reads, “I have the directive of management to inform all students in the polytechnic that all physical lectures have been suspended on campus for the next two weeks with effect from Monday, 4th December 2023.
“In view of this development, all students are to note that online lectures have commenced with immediate effect, therefore students are directed to join online classes in order to continue lectures for the current semester.
“To this end, all students are to steer clear the polytechnic premises till physical lectures resume again at a date that will be communicated soon.”
