Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, on Tuesday, took to the streets in protest over the recent announcement by Governor Seyi Makinde to rename the institution after the late former governor, Omololu Olunloyo.
The renaming was made public during an interdenominational commendation service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, in honour of Olunloyo, who passed away at the age of 89. He was the first Ibadan indigene to serve as governor of the old Oyo State.
During the event, Governor Makinde declared, “The institution will now be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”But that announcement didn’t sit well with students.
Early Tuesday morning, students blocked both the entrance gates of the school and the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, causing gridlock and leaving many commuters stranded. The protestors described the governor’s decision as a threat to the school’s legacy and reputation.
In a strongly worded letter to the Oyo State House of Assembly, signed by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Oladipupo Olamide, and General Secretary, Azeez Tolase, the union pleaded with lawmakers to reconsider the decision.
“We, the Students’ Union Government of The Polytechnic Ibadan, humbly appeal to your esteemed House to reconsider the matter of the Governor’s recent pronouncement to rename our esteemed institution,” the letter read.
The students expressed concern that the renaming could damage the school’s hard-earned image and erase over five decades of history and academic identity.
“The Polytechnic, Ibadan has a rich legacy spanning over 50 years, and its name is synonymous with excellence in education,” the statement continued. “Renaming it would erase its identity and legacy, affecting not only the current students and staff but also the alumni and the entire community.”
The union listed the preservation of the institution’s history, the protection of its unique identity, and potential backlash from alumni as key reasons behind their opposition.
As the protest gains momentum, many stakeholders—especially former students—are joining the call for a reversal, urging the state government to explore other ways of honouring the late Olunloyo without altering the name of a cherished institution.
