Oyo government insists on renaming Ibadan Polytechnic despite protests from students and alumni

Summary

• Commissioner Dotun Oyelade says the name change is final and honours a “worthy son” of Oyo State
• Students and alumni protest lack of consultation, citing identity loss and economic implications
• Deputy Governor meets with students, promises to relay grievances, but government remains firm

Ibadan, Nigeria – The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its decision to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of the late former governor and first rector of the institution, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo. The move, however, continues to face stiff opposition from students, alumni, and other stakeholders who argue that the change threatens the institution’s legacy and brand recognition.

During a live interview on The Morning Brief aired by Channels Television on 2 July 2025, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, reiterated the state’s commitment to the decision, stating, “We stand by that decision because it is a worthy decision for a worthy son of our state.” He acknowledged the concerns raised by students but said the decision was made with fairness and resolve.

“We respect our students a lot… we will do anything to bend over backwards to please them,” Oyelade said, referencing a statement by the Deputy Governor. “But we will be fair, and we will be tough. This time around, we are sticking by our decision.”

The renaming was officially announced by Governor Seyi Makinde on 26 June 2025 during an interdenominational service in honour of Dr. Olunloyo at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan. Makinde described the gesture as a tribute to the late scholar, who was appointed the first rector of the institution in 1970 and briefly served as Oyo State governor from October to December 1983.

However, on 1 July 2025, students of the institution staged a protest that brought traffic to a halt in parts of Ibadan, particularly around the Government Secretariat and Sango-Eleyele Road. Led by SUG President Olamide Oladipupo, the students carried placards with messages such as “Revert the Name Now” and “Our Identity, Our Pride,” citing a lack of consultation and the risk of diluting the institution’s 50-year legacy.

Alumni associations and civil groups have also voiced their opposition. The alumni, represented by Acting National President Akinloye Lawal, argued that the name change could incur heavy administrative costs at a time of economic strain. They proposed alternative ways to honour Dr. Olunloyo, such as naming a hostel, faculty, or road after him, a practice in line with naming conventions at institutions like the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan.

Youth Arise Movement, led by former SUG President Ademola Babatunde Abidemi, called on the Oyo State House of Assembly to reject any bill that would formalise the change.

Critics have further questioned the rationale behind the decision, pointing to Dr. Olunloyo’s brief tenure as rector (less than six months) and governor (three months) as insufficient grounds to rename an entire institution.

In a bid to quell tensions, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal met with student leaders on 2 July in a closed-door meeting, along with other top officials including the Commissioner for Education and the SSA on Student Affairs. Lawal assured the students that their concerns would be relayed to the governor and urged calm. Yet, the latest statement from the Commissioner for Information suggests the government has no immediate plans to reverse its decision.

Dr. Olunloyo, who died in April 2025 at the age of 89, was widely respected as a mathematician, technocrat, and political figure. His legacy, while significant, has become the centre of a broader debate about the preservation of institutional identities versus honouring public figures.

Opponents of the renaming have cited the failed attempt in 2012 to rename the University of Lagos after MKO Abiola, a move that was eventually reversed due to national outcry. Observers warn that unless inclusive dialogue is held, the current controversy could follow a similar trajectory.

In an exclusive interview with AfrikTimes on 2 July, President of the Student Union Government (SUG) Comrade Olamide Oladipupo—when asked about the students’ plans if the government insists on going ahead with the name change despite their pleas—said “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.”

Olamide further stated, “He (Governor Makinde) has shown time and time again that he loves students. We believe our previous letters may not have reached him directly. That’s why we came out in numbers—to show how much this matters to us. We trust he will listen.”

As of 4 July 2025, no official change in the government’s position has been reported. Student leaders say they remain open to dialogue but are determined to protect what they see as the identity and legacy of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.