By The Polytechnic, Ibadan
Students appeal to Oyo Assembly to block renaming
Summary
- Students urge Oyo State Assembly to block renaming of institution
- Management warns against protests as tensions escalate
- Government defends decision to honour late Omololu Olunloyo
Ibadan, Nigeria – Tensions remain high at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as the Students’ Union Government (SUG) continues to oppose the Oyo State government’s decision to rename the institution after the late former governor, Dr Omololu Olunloyo.
On 9 July 2025, the SUG formally appealed to the Oyo State House of Assembly to halt Governor Seyi Makinde’s proposed renaming, arguing that it threatens the institution’s 50-year legacy and international reputation.
Despite warnings from the institution’s management, students staged a demonstration on 8 July 2025 at the main gate along Sango-Eleyele Road, defying directives to avoid further protests.
The management, in a statement issued by Acting Registrar Joseph Ogunjimi, condemned the protest as an “affront” to the institution and the government, warning of security measures to prevent further disruption.
The management’s statement, titled “Poly Management Cautions Students’ Union On Planned Protest”, urged parents and guardians to caution their wards and discouraged any action that could lead to the closure of the institution’s gates.
The administration also warned that protests deemed contrary to the interests of the school or the state government would not be tolerated and that security agencies had been mobilised to maintain order.
On the government’s side, Oyo State Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade reaffirmed the decision, citing Olunloyo’s notable contributions as the institution’s first rector and a former governor.
Students and alumni have vowed to continue their campaign to preserve the original name, maintaining that the proposed change disregards the institution’s long-standing heritage and the wishes of its community.
As of 10 July 2025, the standoff shows no signs of abating. Governor Makinde has also not responded publicly to the protests or the SUG’s appeal.
It would be recalled that the President of the the Student Union Government, Comrade Oladipupo Olamide, in an exclusive interview with AfrikTimes, stated that the protest was not about revolting but pleading with the State Government not to change the name of the institution which embodies its heritage and dignity.
“We’ll keep pleading. That’s all we can do. We’re not fighting; we’re not revolting. We’re only asking the governor to listen to us. He has shown time and time again that he loves students.” Olamide had said.
As the situation escalates amid the governor’s silence and the unyielding stance of the state government, it remains to be seen if the hopes of the students and alumni will be realised—or dashed—on the floor of the House.
