Ibadan Poly Students Protest Renaming, Say Legacy Under Threat

Students of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday staged a mass protest against the renaming of their institution to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, a move announced by Governor Seyi Makinde during a public event.

The renaming was disclosed at an interdenominational commendation service for the late former governor of old Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan.

Makinde, in his remarks, stated: “The institution will now be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”

Olunloyo, who passed away at the age of 89, holds historical significance as the first Ibadan indigene to govern the old Oyo State. His contributions to public service were noted at the event, but the Governor’s declaration was met with swift backlash from students and stakeholders of the polytechnic.

Tuesday morning, hundreds of students blocked the institution’s entrance gates and also barricaded the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, causing traffic gridlock and stranding commuters for hours. The demonstration signaled a deepening opposition to what many consider an abrupt and unilateral decision.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution had, prior to the protest, formally addressed the issue in a letter to the Oyo State House of Assembly, expressing their rejection of the renaming.

The letter, signed by SUG President Oladipupo Olamide and General Secretary Azeez Tolase, read in part:

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.”

According to the union, the name The Polytechnic, Ibadan has built an academic reputation and brand equity for over five decades. They warned that altering this identity could disrupt alumni relations, academic recognition, and institutional pride.

The Polytechnic, Ibadan has a rich legacy spanning over 50 years, and its name is synonymous with excellence in education,” the union stated.

While no official response had been issued by the state government at the time of filing this report, the unfolding controversy highlights ongoing tensions between historical commemoration and institutional identity. Stakeholders including alumni associations and academic staff are expected to weigh in as pressure mounts on the state to reverse or reconsider the change.