Authors: Fashagba, I, Asonibare, R. O, Babatunde, K, Ajadi, B. S
Abstract: Land encroachment has become a major challenge affecting land administration and institutional expansion in Nigeria, particularly in peri-urban areas. This study assesses the pattern, extent, and progression of land encroachment on the permanent site of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 2004 to 2024 using aerial drone imagery and GIS techniques. The objectives were to: (i) identify areas encroached upon by surrounding settlements, (ii) determine the proportion of land currently occupied by the institution, and (iii) visualize encroachment trends through maps and imagery. Primary data were collected using a DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone, and the imagery obtained was processed into digital, detailed, topographic, and perimeter maps. Results show rapid and continuous expansion of settlements such as Ara, Ajia, Magaji, Budo-Oba, Yerima, Dangiwa, Akuo, and others, with several fusing into larger settlement clusters. Encroachment is most severe along the southern and eastern axes of the Polytechnic. Less than one-third of the acquired institutional land remains undeveloped, creating opportunities for illegal occupation. The study recommends the construction of a perimeter fence, government-led relocation of encroaching settlements, and the provision of institutional accommodation through public-private partnerships.