The decision by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde , to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan after the late former Governor Omololu Olunloyo has...
The decision by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan after the late former Governor Omololu Olunloyo has ignited widespread backlash from students, alumni, and union leaders, who argue the move disregards the institution’s heritage and identity.
Governor Makinde made the announcement Thursday, citing Olunloyo’s role as the institution’s first rector and a former governor of the state. But the response has been far from celebratory.
In a statement issued Friday, Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Oladipupo Olamide, voiced sharp disapproval, saying the renaming threatens to erase the legacy of an institution that has stood for over five decades.
“The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is a name that commands respect and represents academic excellence across Nigeria. To rename it now would be to erase that identity,” Olamide stated.
“We call on the governor to reverse the decision and protect the historical and institutional value of our school.”
Alumni Community Also Pushes Back
The controversy didn’t end with the students. Members of the alumni association and internal staff unions also condemned the name change.
Yomi Akande, an alumnus and leader of the Non-Academic Staff Union at the institution, stressed that while Dr. Olunloyo is deserving of honour, renaming the entire institution is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
“The name ‘The Polytechnic, Ibadan’ holds international recognition. Changing it will not bring new development or solve any existing problems. It’s simply not needed,” Akande said.
He added that the legacy of the late governor can be preserved in other meaningful ways that don’t tamper with the institution’s identity.
Calls for Reconsideration Grow Louder
Across campuses and online platforms, students and former graduates are urging the state government to initiate broader consultations before proceeding. Many argue that no stakeholder forums were held and that the decision appears rushed.
Despite the uproar, the Oyo State Government has not issued any further statements as of press time.
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