The management of Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, formerly known as The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has issued a stern warning to students over a planned protest scheduled for Tuesday, July 8.
The institution cautioned that any disruptive activity, including closure of the school gates or obstruction of normal operations, would not be tolerated.
In an official statement released on Monday in Ibadan by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Mr. Joseph Ogunjimi, the school authorities advised parents and guardians to caution their wards and discourage them from participating in any form of protest that may jeopardize the peace and stability of the institution.
The planned demonstration is reportedly in response to the recent renaming of the institution by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
The governor had officially renamed the school in honour of the late Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the state who passed away at the age of 89. The renaming was intended to celebrate the legacy and contributions of Dr. Olunloyo to the state.
However, the governor’s decision sparked dissatisfaction among a section of the student body, who claimed that the move was done without proper consultation and failed to consider the historical identity and pride associated with the original name.
In protest, students had taken to the streets last Tuesday, chanting solidarity songs and brandishing placards with messages.
The protest disrupted both academic and administrative activities on campus.
Responding to the renewed threat of another protest, the management reiterated its position in a statement titled, “Poly Management Cautions Students’ Union on Planned Protest, Advises Parents to Call Them to Order.”
The statement warned students against any attempt to repeat last week’s actions or block access to the institution.
“The management advises the Students’ Union and the entire student body not to participate in any protest or obstruct access to the institution,” the statement read.
It further cautioned that, “Any protest or action deemed harmful to the interest of the institution or the government will not be condoned. Such behavior will be considered a direct affront to the authorities.”
To forestall any breakdown of law and order, the management confirmed that security agencies had been placed on alert.
“Appropriate security agencies have been mobilized and will work in conjunction with the institution’s internal security team to ensure the maintenance of peace and order within the school premises,” the statement added.
As tensions remain high, stakeholders and school authorities continue to call for calm and dialogue in addressing the students’ concerns.