Outrage in Ibadan: Students, Alumni Kick Against Renaming of Ibadan Polytechnic After Late Governor Olunloyo

Tension is rising in Oyo State as students and alumni of Ibadan Polytechnic, have strongly rejected the state government’s decision to rename the institution after the late former governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.

Governor Seyi Makinde had, on Thursday, announced the renaming of the prestigious institution in honour of Olunloyo, who served as the first rector of the school. The announcement has since sparked widespread backlash.

In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Oladipupo Olamide, expressed deep disappointment, calling the decision unjustifiable and harmful to the school’s legacy.

“We strongly believe that this decision is unjustifiable and disregards the rich heritage and history of our beloved school,” Olamide said.

“For over 50 years, The Polytechnic, Ibadan has been a beacon of academic excellence. The name itself is synonymous with quality education and national recognition. Renaming the institution would erase its identity and cause irreparable damage to its reputation and to the pride of its alumni.”

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He called on Governor Makinde to reconsider the decision and preserve the institution’s original name, which reflects its values and longstanding contributions to education in Nigeria.

“We are open to dialogue and hope to reach an alternative solution that honours the past without erasing it. We request an immediate reversal of this decision and anticipate a swift response,” the statement added.

Alumni of the institution also voiced strong opposition to the renaming. Yomi Akande, a prominent alumnus and leader of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) at the institution, echoed the concerns of many.

“As an alumnus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, I know how much weight the school’s name carries globally,” he said. “While the late Dr. Olunloyo deserves to be honoured, altering the name of the institution does not contribute to its development and disregards the sentiments of those who built their identities around it.”

Calls are mounting for Governor Makinde to revisit the decision, with many suggesting alternative ways to honour the late governor without altering the identity of one of Nigeria’s most iconic polytechnics.