Hundreds of commuters plying the ever-busy Sango-Eleyele Road in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, were stranded on Tuesday as students of The Polytechnic Ibadan trooped out en masse to protest the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde to rename the institution after one of his predecessors, late Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.
The displeased students carried placards with different inscriptions, asking Governor Makinde to rescind his decision and restore the polytechnic to its original name.
The students urged the governor to protect the integrity of the school’s name which has lasted decades.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, Makinde renamed The Polytechnic Ibadan after Omololu Olunloyo during the latter’s funeral service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan.
Olunloyo, who died on April 6, 2025, was the pioneer principal of the polytechnic, while he also served as governor of Oyo State between October 1 and December 31, 1983.
“Today, we will be giving Baba another honour to immortalise him. He was the first Principal of The Polytechnic, Ibadan; that institution will now be named Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan,” the governor had stated.
According to Makinde, Olunloyo lived an eventful life and that his attainment and personality could not be summarised in one sentence, as he was a scholar, a statesman, a technocrat, a lover of culture, and a man of deep conviction.
Rename: Ibadan Polytechnic renamed after Ex-Governor Olunloyo
Afrocover learnt that the protest disrupted movement in the area as several commuters, residents and travellers were left stranded due to the road blockade by the students.
Afrocover gathered that some staff of the institution were also stranded, as the majority of them were unable to gain access to the institution.
The renaming, which has sparked widespread concern among students, alumni and other stakeholders, is viewed as a threat to the school’s legacy and reputation.
In a letter addressed to the House of Assembly on Monday, and signed by the Students Union Government President, Oladipupo Olamide, and General Secretary, Azeez Tolase, the union described the move as potentially damaging to the identity of the institution.
The letter read, “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.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of this decision on the heritage, history, and image of our beloved school (The Polytechnic, Ibadan).”
The union argued that the school’s name has become synonymous with academic excellence over the past five decades and warned that a change could disrupt its identity.
“The Polytechnic, Ibadan has a rich legacy spanning over 50 years, and its name is synonymous with excellence in education.
“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 read.
Listing reasons for their resistance, the students cited the preservation of institutional history, protection of identity, and potential backlash from alumni.
