Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan took to the streets on Monday to protest the decision by Governor Seyi Makinde to rename the institution after the late former governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo.
The protest, which saw hundreds of students marching to the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, follows the governor’s announcement at Dr Olunloyo’s funeral service on Thursday, June 26, where he declared that the polytechnic would henceforth bear the late statesman’s name.
The students carried placards with messages such as “Respect Our Legacy”, “Ibadan Poly Is Not for Sale”, and “Reverse the Name Change Now”, while chanting solidarity songs.
Olamide Oladipupo, president of the Student Union Government (SUG), led the demonstration and addressed the crowd, stating that while the students were not opposed to honouring Dr Olunloyo, the renaming of the polytechnic was unacceptable.
Oladipupo said: “We’re not against honouring Dr Omololu Olunloyo. But the legacy and name of The Polytechnic Ibadan must be protected. It holds pride of place not just in Nigeria, but among our alumni worldwide.”
The students argued that the institution’s name is a symbol of academic heritage and identity, and such a significant change should not be made without wide-ranging consultation with stakeholders, including students, alumni, and staff.
The protest remained peaceful, though students vowed to continue their agitation until the decision is reversed.
As of the time of filing this report, Governor Makinde has yet to respond publicly to the protest or issue a formal statement on the matter.
