Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan on Tuesday launched a mass protest against the sudden renaming of their institution to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The students blocked all entrance gates of the school and disrupted traffic along the Sango–Eleyele Road, halting movement across the area for hours.
Governor Makinde had made the renaming announcement during a commendation service held in honour of late Governor Omololu Olunloyo at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan.
“The institution will now be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan,” the Governor said at the event.
But the decision has triggered sharp reactions from students, alumni, and other stakeholders who view it as an erasure of the institution’s identity and a violation of legacy.
In a protest letter sent to the Oyo State House of Assembly, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) described the move as “damaging” to the historical and academic reputation of the school.
The letter, signed by SUG President Oladipupo Olamide and General Secretary Azeez Tolase, read:
“We humbly appeal to your esteemed House to reconsider the matter of the Governor’s recent pronouncement.
We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of this decision on the heritage, history, and image of our beloved school.”
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The union insisted that The Polytechnic, Ibadan has earned national and international recognition over its 50-year history, and its name has become synonymous with academic excellence.
“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 letter added.
The protest mirrors growing disapproval from prominent alumni and education advocates who say the renaming was rushed and lacked proper consultation.
A group of alumni last week issued a separate statement urging Governor Makinde to rescind the decision and preserve the institution’s brand and historical identity.
Sources within the institution also disclosed that many staff members were unaware of the plan before the Governor’s public declaration.
The late Dr Omololu Olunloyo, aged 89, was the first Ibadan native to govern the old Oyo State. Though highly respected for his intellectual contributions, critics argue that renaming a major public institution after him without stakeholder input is procedurally flawed and politically insensitive.
Stakeholders are calling on the government to consider other ways to honour Olunloyo’s legacy—such as naming a new public facility or institute—rather than altering the identity of an existing academic institution.
FrankTalk
