 of The Polytechnic, Ibadan has vehemently protested the recent decision by the Oyo State){kind=link}
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of The Polytechnic, Ibadan has vehemently protested the recent decision by the Oyo State Government to rename the institution.
In a formal appeal, the student body urged Governor Seyi Makinde to reverse the directive, describing the change as a disregard for the institution’s heritage and identity.
The protest comes in the wake of an announcement made by Governor Seyi Makinde during the state burial ceremony of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, held in Ibadan on Thursday.
At the event, which was attended by dignitaries and residents from across the state, Governor Makinde declared that The Polytechnic, Ibadan would henceforth be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.
According to the governor, the renaming is intended to honour the late Dr. Olunloyo’s enduring contributions to education, public service, and the socio-economic development of Oyo State. He described the move as a fitting tribute to a statesman who played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s academic landscape.
However, the Students’ Union Government has strongly rejected the move. In a press statement titled “Objection to the Renaming of The Polytechnic Ibadan,” the union expressed its disapproval, stating that the decision undermines the school’s longstanding legacy.
The statement reads in part: “We, the Students’ Union Government of The Polytechnic Ibadan, express our utmost disapproval and disappointment at the recent decision to rename our institution. We firmly believe that this move is unjustifiable and fails to acknowledge the rich history and achievements of our great school.”
“For over five decades, The Polytechnic Ibadan has stood as a pillar of academic excellence, producing graduates who have made notable contributions to national development.
The name ‘The Polytechnic Ibadan’ is not just a title — it is a symbol of quality education, tradition, and pride. Renaming the institution risks erasing its identity and diminishing the hard-earned reputation built over the years.”
The SUG further appealed to Governor Makinde to reconsider the decision in the interest of preserving the institution’s legacy, reputation, and mission. They also expressed a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the state government to explore alternative ways of honouring Dr. Olunloyo without altering the school’s historic name.
“We request an immediate reversal of this decision and look forward to your prompt response. Let it be known:
THE POLYTECHNIC IBADAN MUST REMAIN AS THE POLYTECHNIC IBADAN!”
The students’ strong reaction has ignited a growing conversation across social and academic circles, with alumni and other stakeholders expected to weigh in on the matter in the coming days.
