Makinde Faces Widespread Backlash Over Plan To Rename Polytechnic Ibadan

Stakeholders including students, alumni, civil society groups and prominent figures have strongly opposed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s proposal to rename The Polytechnic Ibadan after late Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor and mathematician who also served as the institution’s pioneer principal.

Makinde announced plans to rename the school to “Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan,” describing Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, as an exceptional figure whose achievements could not be easily summarized.

Students, Alumni Reject Renaming, Warn It Would Erase Legacy

However, the move has ignited sharp reactions. The Students’ Union Government (SUG), alumni and several notable voices argue that changing the name would strip the institution of its identity and decades-old reputation for academic excellence.

In a statement signed by its president, Olamide Oladipupo, the SUG described the decision as “unjustifiable and degrading,” stressing that for over five decades, The Polytechnic Ibadan has stood as a symbol of quality education, producing distinguished graduates who have contributed immensely to national development.

“Renaming the institution will erase its identity and legacy, causing irreparable harm to its reputation and alumni,” Oladipupo said. The union urged Makinde to reconsider and offered to engage in dialogue to explore alternative ways to honour Olunloyo.

Students Shut Down Roads In Protest, Staff Left Stranded

On Tuesday, protests erupted as students blocked the main gates of the institution and barricaded the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, leaving commuters, residents and staff stranded for hours.

Sources disclosed that many staff members could not gain entry to the campus due to the blockade.

CDWR: Renaming Mere Symbolism Without Real Reforms

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) also faulted the move, labeling it “mere symbolism.” In a statement by Oyo State Coordinator Abiodun Bamigboye, the group argued that renaming the institution would not solve its underlying problems.

“What the Polytechnic needs is not a change of name, but genuine transformation through adequate funding, infrastructure overhaul, improved welfare for staff and students, and democratic governance,” the group asserted.

CDWR further decried the casualization of over 80% of the institution’s workforce, poor remuneration, and interference in union activities, calling on the government to prioritize these pressing issues over cosmetic gestures.

Ex-CCII President Soladoye: Don’t Be Misled By Political Jobbers

Adding his voice, a former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adeyemi Soladoye, who is also an alumnus of the institution, advised Makinde to withdraw the proposal. He cautioned the governor not to be swayed by “political jobbers,” emphasizing that power is transient.

Soladoye reminded Makinde that the polytechnic was established in 1972 for the entire Western Region, not just Ibadan, and had grown into an institution of continental repute. He argued that downgrading such a legacy to honour an individual, however accomplished, was inappropriate.

Citing examples like the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan, where even first principals only had halls named after them, he suggested that honouring Olunloyo could have been achieved without renaming the entire institution.

Calls Grow For Makinde To Rethink Decision

Across board, stakeholders insisted that maintaining the original name would preserve the institution’s storied history and continue to inspire pride among its alumni and the wider Yoruba race.

Many appealed to Makinde to emulate past leaders who yielded to public sentiment on similar issues, stressing that listening to the people on this matter would only enhance his legacy.