Protest erupted when Ibadan Poly students, alumni refused to replace the name of the institution

Tensions increased in the state of Oyo after Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to change the name of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, after the late former Governor and the first rector of the institution, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.

The announcement, made on Thursday, has triggered a reaction from students and alumni, who said the change was threatening the inheritance and identity of the institution.

In a highly written statement released on Friday, the President of the Student Union Government (SUG), Oladipupo Olamide, described the decision as “unjustified” and dismissal of the historical significance of the school.

“For more than 50 years, Polytechnic, Ibadan has been standing as a flare for academic excellence,” Omamide said. “Changing the name of the institution ignores this rich inheritance and the risk of removing the identity and heritage that has worked hard by thousands of students and alumni.”

He stressed that the name of the school ordered national recognition and had symbolized quality education, especially in the technical and vocational sectors. According to him, changing the name can tarnish the reputation obtained with difficulty.

“We urge the governor to reconsider this step. We are open to dialogue and are willing to explore alternative ways to respect Dr. Olunloyo without reducing the name or value of the institution,” Olamide added.

Echoing the sentiment of students, alumni groups also voiced their disagreement. One of the most vocal critics is Yomi Akande, an alumni and leader of the non-academic staff (Nasu) at the Polytechnic. Akande acknowledged the contribution of the late Olunloyo to the school but insisted that changes in names were not in harmony with the aspirations of past or present communities.

“As an alumni, I know how heavy the name ‘Polytechnic, Ibadan’ that is brought, not only in Nigeria but globally. Changing the name may come with unwanted consequences, it is not translated into the development or improvement in learning infrastructure,” Akande said.

This controversy has triggered a broader debate about heritage, memory, and preservation of institutional identity in Nigerian Higher Education. For many people in the school community, respecting the pioneers like Dr. Olunloyo may not come at the cost of deleting a name that has become synonymous with academic excellence and social mobility.