Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for calm following widespread protests against the renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of the late former governor and first rector of the institution, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.
The announcement, made during Olunloyo’s burial on June 26, 2025, was intended as a tribute to his legacy. Olunloyo briefly served as governor of the old Oyo State in 1983 before a military coup ended his administration.
However, the decision has been met with stiff resistance from students and alumni, who argue that changing the name threatens the institution’s long-standing identity.
On Tuesday, students took to the streets, blocking roads and marching to the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan. Protesters held placards bearing slogans such as “Revert the Name Now” and “Our Identity, Our Pride.”
Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal addressed the demonstrators on behalf of Governor Makinde, assuring them that their grievances would be relayed to the state’s leadership.
Student Union President, Olamide Oladipupo, emphasized that the protest was peaceful and focused on preserving the institution’s heritage.
“We are not against honouring great leaders,” he said. “But this decision was made without engaging stakeholders, and it risks erasing a legacy built over 50 years.”
The Polytechnic’s alumni association also voiced strong opposition. In a formal appeal, Acting National President Akinloye Lawal warned that the name change could impact global recognition, certificate verification, and alumni pride.
“The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is a well-established brand,” he noted. “Altering its name undermines its stature.”
The alumni proposed alternative ways to honour Dr. Olunloyo, such as naming a building or faculty after him. They cited examples like the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Ibadan (UI), where founders are remembered through residence halls, not institutional renaming.
They also referenced past controversies over similar decisions, including the widespread pushback against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s attempt to rename UNILAG, and President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of an Ibadan native as UI Vice-Chancellor, which was seen as a more fitting form of recognition.
The alumni urged Governor Makinde to consider the emotional, administrative, and financial implications of the change.
“There are many respectful ways to honour Olunloyo without altering our institution’s identity,” they concluded.
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