Hundreds of students from The Polytechnic Ibadan staged a protest on Tuesday at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, expressing strong opposition to the recent decision by Governor Seyi Makinde to rename the institution after the late former governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.
The demonstrators, led by the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Olamide Oladipupo, carried placards bearing various inscriptions and chanted slogans demanding the immediate reversal of the decision. They urged Governor Makinde to preserve the historic identity and global legacy of the polytechnic.
“We are not against honouring the late Dr. Olunloyo,” said Oladipupo, “but The Polytechnic Ibadan is a brand and a legacy on its own. Changing the name affects the pride, history, and future recognition of graduates.”
The protest comes in the wake of the governor’s announcement on June 26, 2025, during the funeral service of the late statesman held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan. At the event, Governor Makinde declared that the institution would henceforth be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of the late former governor and pioneer principal of the institution.
Dr. Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025, served as the governor of Oyo State between October and December 1983 and was widely respected as a mathematician and public intellectual.
“Today, we are giving Baba another honour to immortalise him,” Governor Makinde had said. “He was the first principal of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and we believe this gesture is fitting.”
However, the announcement has drawn criticism from both students and alumni who argue that such a decision should involve broader consultations. They also fear that the change may diminish the historical value and recognition of the institution’s name.
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Sunday Odukoya, addressed the protesting students and urged them to remain peaceful while their grievances are considered.
The renaming of higher institutions after notable figures has been a controversial issue in Nigeria. Similar actions, such as the proposed renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University and the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University, have also sparked widespread backlash from stakeholders and alumni.
As the debate continues, students of The Polytechnic Ibadan remain resolute in their call for Governor Makinde to reverse the decision and retain the institution’s original name.
