By Charles Maduka
The decision by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan, after the late former governor and first rector of the institution, Omololu Olunloyo, has been met with strong resistance from both students and alumni.
Governor Makinde made the announcement on Thursday, declaring that the institution would henceforth bear the name of Olunloyo as a tribute to his contributions to education and governance in the state.
However, in a swift reaction, the Students Union Government (SUG) condemned the move, describing it as an unjustifiable disruption of the school’s legacy. In a statement released in Ibadan, SUG President Oladipupo Olamide expressed the students’ displeasure, saying the decision disregarded the historical identity of the institution.
“We strongly believe that this decision is unjustifiable and disregards the rich heritage and history of our beloved school,” Olamide stated.
Similarly, alumni associations across the country voiced their rejection of the name change, arguing that the institution’s legacy should be preserved and that any move to alter it must involve broad consultation with stakeholders, including former students, staff, and the public.
Critics argue that while Olunloyo’s contributions are notable, renaming a long-standing institution without transparent dialogue undermines the sentiments of those who have passed through it and the reputation it has built over decades.
The Polytechnic, Ibadan, established in 1970, is one of Nigeria’s foremost polytechnics, with a track record of producing top professionals in engineering, business, and technology. Many alumni believe the institution’s identity is closely tied to its existing name and history, which should be protected.
The controversy has sparked conversations across campuses and social media, with calls for the state government to reverse the decision or at least subject it to broader consultations.
As of Friday, the state government had yet to respond to the backlash, but observers say pressure is mounting for a review of the renaming directive.
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