On Tuesday, students of The Polytechnic Ibadan staged a protest at the Oyo State Government Secretariat to oppose the recent decision to rename their institution after the late former governor, Omololu Olunloyo.
Carrying placards with various slogans, the demonstrators called on Governor Seyi Makinde to rescind the renaming order and restore the polytechnic’s original name. They argued that the institution’s identity and legacy are closely tied to its historic name, which is recognized both nationally and internationally.
The protest, led by the President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Olamide Oladipupo, urged the governor to reconsider the decision made last week during the funeral rites of the late Omololu Olunloyo, emphasizing the importance of preserving the polytechnic’s heritage.
In response, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Sunday Odukoya, addressed the students, appealing for calm and peaceful conduct during the demonstration.
The renaming took place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, when Governor Makinde announced that The Polytechnic Ibadan would henceforth be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan. The announcement was made during the funeral service of Olunloyo at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan.
Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025, was the pioneer principal of the polytechnic and briefly served as governor of Oyo State from October to December 1983.
“Today, we honor Baba by immortalizing his name. He was the first principal of The Polytechnic Ibadan; from now on, the institution will bear his name,” the governor stated.
Makinde described Olunloyo as a man of many talents — a scholar, statesman, technocrat, culture lover, and a person of strong conviction whose legacy transcends simple definition.
The renaming of educational institutions after prominent individuals by federal and state governments has recently sparked controversy. Similar moves, such as the renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University and the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University, have faced strong opposition from students and alumni alike.
