Students protest renaming of The Polytechnic Ibadan, plead for preservation of identity

Summary

• Students staged peaceful protest against renaming of institution
• SUG President says decision was made without consultation
• Protest temporarily halted pending Governor Makinde’s return

Ibadan, Nigeria – Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan on Monday, 1 July 2025, staged a peaceful protest against the Oyo State Government’s decision to rename the institution “Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic” in honour of the late Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor and pioneer rector of the school.

The protest, led by the Student Union Government (SUG) under the leadership of Comrade Oladipupo Olamide Daniel, began at the main gates of the institution, with students carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Revert the name now,” “We are not consulted,” and “Our identity, our pride.”

The students later proceeded to block the busy Sango–Eleyele Road, causing traffic disruptions and leaving many commuters stranded, before marching to the Oyo State Government Secretariat where activities were interrupted.

A crowd of students from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, protesting outside the main entrance of the state secretariat against the announcement by the Oyo State Governor to change the name of the institution (Source: ABN TV)

In an exclusive interview with AfrikTimes, Comrade Daniel emphasised that the protest was not a political move or an act of rebellion, but a plea for engagement and dialogue. “There was no consultation, no letter, no meeting—nothing. We just saw it on the internet,” he said, noting that while students and alumni recognise the contributions of the late Dr Olunloyo, they believe there are other ways to honour him without erasing the over 50-year legacy of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Daniel stressed the significance of the institution’s name, describing it as a source of pride and a vital part of its identity. “The name has opened doors for many of us. It commands respect. Changing it would do more harm than good,” he said. He suggested that instead of renaming the entire institution, facilities such as hostels, laboratories, auditoriums, and libraries could be named after Dr Olunloyo.

Beyond issues of heritage, the SUG President also raised concerns about the financial implications of rebranding. “Changing the name means changing all branded items—from websites and signage to transport and documents. That’s a lot of money that could be better spent upgrading our labs, classrooms, and libraries.”

Daniel revealed that he had a meeting with the Oyo State Deputy Governor, who advised him to submit a follow-up letter outlining the students’ concerns to the Commissioner for Education. “I will do that this week, but that’s a separate issue. When it comes to the renaming, that’s about our dignity and heritage. We are the first Polytechnic with the article ‘The.’ Many institutions copied that. So please, let it stay.”

The students have suspended their protest pending the governor’s return from a foreign trip. Daniel confirmed that this decision came after closed-door discussions with state officials and in the spirit of continued dialogue.

“We’re not revolting. We’re pleading. We believe the governor cares about students, and we trust he will listen to our cries,” Daniel said, appealing to the public and alumni to support the call for the name to be retained.

The Polytechnic Ibadan alumni association has also joined the students in urging the governor to reconsider, highlighting the potential complications for past graduates in verifying certificates and accessing transcripts due to the name change.

In his final remarks, Daniel urged the public to see the demonstration not as defiance, but as a call for understanding: “Please don’t misinterpret what we did. It was peaceful, organised, and respectful. We weren’t fighting—we were pleading. Every placard carried messages of appeal, not protest. All we are asking is: join us in begging the governor. Help us retain our name, identity, and heritage. That’s all we ask.”

The state governor is yet to respond directly to the student-led appeal, but his administration has signalled a willingness to review the concerns raised through appropriate channels.

As it stands, the fate of the institution’s name remains uncertain, but students are hopeful that their voices will be heard.