Governor Seyi Makinde’s proposal to rename The Polytechnic Ibadan after late former governor Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo has stirred debate among students, alumni, and other interest groups.
Olunloyo, remembered as a renowned mathematician and the institution’s pioneer Principal, governed old Oyo State briefly from the 1st of October the 31st of December, 1983. He passed away on the 6th of April, 2025.
The governor, aiming to honour the legacy of the first Ibadan-born governor, announced the intention to rename the institution “Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”
Makinde said Olunloyo lived “an eventful life” and noted that “his attainment and personality could not be summarised in one sentence.”
Opposition Mounts
But the governor’s plan hasn’t gone down well with many. Stakeholders, including current students, past graduates, and respected figures, have reacted with disapproval. Many urged Makinde to abandon the renaming effort.
On the 1st of July, 2025, protest action by students disrupted movement on the busy Sango-Eleyele Road. Entry to the institution was blocked, leaving both commuters and staff stuck for hours.
Reports indicated that most workers could not access the school premises due to the barricade mounted by the students at the main gate.
Students Demand Name Retention
The Students’ Union Government (SUG), in a statement signed by its president, Olamide Oladipupo, condemned the proposal.
“We, the Students’ Union Government of The Polytechnic Ibadan, are writing to express our utmost disapproval and disappointment at the recent decision to rename our institution,” the release read.
Oladipupo stressed that the institution has maintained a strong educational reputation for over five decades and argued that changing the name would damage its established identity.
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“We strongly believe that this decision is unjustifiable and disregards the rich heritage and history of our beloved school.”
He added, “The name ‘The Polytechnic Ibadan’ is synonymous with quality education and has earned respect and recognition nationwide. Renaming the institution would erase its identity and legacy, causing irreparable harm to its reputation and alumni.”
The student body asked the governor to reverse the decision, offering to open discussions for alternative ways to honour the late Olunloyo.
“We urge you to reconsider this decision and allow our school to retain its original name, which reflects its history, values, and mission.
“We are willing to engage in dialogue to find alternative solutions that benefit the institution.
“We request an immediate reversal of this decision and look forward to a prompt response,” the SUG president concluded.