Governor Makinde inaugurates governing councils for Oyo tertiary institutions as Polytechnic Ibadan renaming remains unresolved

Summary

• Governing councils inaugurated for five state-owned tertiary institutions across Oyo State
• Oke Ogun Polytechnic officially renamed in honour of late politician Michael Adeniyi Koleoso
• Name change controversy over The Polytechnic, Ibadan continues amid silence from the governor

Ibadan, Nigeria – Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated new governing councils for five state-owned tertiary institutions, including The Polytechnic, Ibadan, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed renaming of the institution.

The ceremony, held on Friday, 11 July 2025, included the formal signing of a bill renaming the Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, to Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki, a move to honour the late statesman and former Secretary to the State Government.

The five institutions with newly constituted governing councils are: The Polytechnic, Ibadan – chaired by Professor Lanre Nassar; Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki – chaired by Dr Bisi Ojebola; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-Ora – chaired by Dr Amusan Damilare Gideon; Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate – chaired by Comrade Olusegun Oyewumi; and Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele – chaired by Rt. Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan.

The councils are tasked with ensuring the effective administration, academic excellence, and infrastructural development of the institutions. Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting tertiary education through the provision of financial, human, and material resources.

While the renaming of Oke Ogun Polytechnic was formalised during the event, having earlier received the approval of the State Executive Council on 28 May 2024, a separate proposal to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan after the late Victor Omololu Olunloyo remains in limbo.

Despite strong opposition from students, staff, and alumni who have urged the government to honour Olunloyo through alternative means, the governor has yet to publicly respond to their demands.

Importantly, the Oyo State House of Assembly has not passed legislation to effect the proposed name change for The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and the institution continues to operate under its original name.

Critics of the proposal argue that the historic identity of the school should be preserved and that the government should explore other avenues to memorialise Olunloyo, a revered mathematician, first rector of the institution, and former governor of the state.

The contrast between the smooth renaming process of Oke Ogun Polytechnic and the unresolved debate over The Polytechnic, Ibadan highlights the sensitivities surrounding educational heritage and identity in Oyo State.

As the administration continues efforts to honour legacy figures, stakeholders await clarity on the future of one of Nigeria’s most iconic polytechnics.