Students, alumni, organisations, notable personalities and other stakeholders have expressed divergent views over the plans by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to rename The Polytechnic Ibadan after a former governor of the state, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo.
Olunloyo was the first Ibadan indigene to serve as the governor of old Oyo State.
He served as governor between October 1 and December 31 1983.
DAILY POST reported that Olunloyo, who died on April 6, 2025, was the pioneer Principal of the institution.
The former governor was a notable mathematician.
In order to honour him, Makinde announced his plans to rename the institution as Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Makinde said that Olunloyo lived an eventful life and that his attainment and personality could not be summarised in one sentence.
Students, alumni, other stakeholders kick, express divergent reactions
Meanwhile, students, alumni of the institution, notable personalities and other stakeholders have kicked against the action of the governor.
They advised the governor to rescind his decision.
Commuters, staff stranded as students protest renaming of Polytechnic Ibadan
DAILY POST reports that hundreds of commuters plying the ever busy Sango-Eleyele Road in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, were on Tuesday stranded as a result of a protest embarked upon by students of the Polytechnic Ibadan.
Our correspondent reports that the students in the early hours blocked the entrance gates of the institution.
They also blocked the ever busy Sango-Eleyele Road.
This made many commuters, residents and travellers plying the road to be stranded.
DAILY POST gathered that some staff of the institution were also stranded due to the fact that the majority of them were unable to gain access to the institution on that day.
Renaming would erase its identity, legacy – Students kick
The Students Union Government (SUG) in a release signed by its President, Olamide Oladipupo described the decision as “unjustifiable and degrading”.
Oladipupo in the statement obtained by DAILY POST on Tuesday said that for over 50 years, the institution has been a beacon of academic excellence, producing outstanding graduates who have made significant contributions to society.
He added that the name “The Polytechnic Ibadan” is synonymous with quality education and has earned respect and recognition nationwide.
Oladipupo, while speaking further, said that renaming the institution would erase its identity and legacy, causing irreparable harm to its reputation and alumni.
He then advised the governor to reconsider his decision and allow the institution to retain its original name.
“We, the Students’ Union Government of The Polytechnic Ibadan, are writing to express our utmost disapproval and disappointment at the recent decision to rename our institution.
“We strongly believe that this decision is unjustifiable and disregards the rich heritage and history of our beloved school.
“For over 50 years, The Polytechnic Ibadan has been a beacon of academic excellence, producing outstanding graduates who have made significant contributions to society.
“The name “The Polytechnic Ibadan” is synonymous with quality education and has earned respect and recognition nationwide. Renaming the institution would erase its identity and legacy, causing irreparable harm to its reputation and alumni.
“We urge you to reconsider this decision and allow our school to retain its original name, which reflects its history, values, and mission.
“We are willing to engage in dialogue to find alternative solutions that benefit the institution. We request an immediate reversal of this decision and look forward to a prompt response,” he said.
Credit: Dailypost
