By Peter Omopo
Ibadan, June 30, 2025 — The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has appealed to the Oyo State House of Assembly to halt the implementation of Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent decision to rename the institution after the late former governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.
Governor Makinde made the announcement during an interdenominational commendation service held last week at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, stating that the institution would henceforth be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.
The announcement has since triggered widespread criticism among students, alumni, and stakeholders, who fear that the change could undermine the institution’s longstanding identity and reputation.
In a formal letter addressed to the state assembly on Monday, the student body, led by SUG President Oladipupo Olamide and General Secretary Azeez Tolase, urged lawmakers to reject the proposal and preserve the name that has stood for over five decades.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of this decision on the heritage, history, and image of our beloved school,” the letter read. “Renaming it would erase its identity and legacy, affecting not only the current students and staff but also the alumni and the entire community.”
The students emphasized that The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has become a symbol of academic excellence since its establishment, and altering its name could have negative implications on its brand, institutional memory, and public perception.
The letter outlined several reasons for the union’s opposition, including:
- Preservation of institutional legacy
- Protection of educational identity
- Concerns from alumni and stakeholders
- Potential impact on the school’s academic reputation
The students also expressed fears that the renaming could alienate the institution’s alumni network and lead to a disconnect between the school’s past and future.
“We appeal that our institution’s name should be retained as The Polytechnic, Ibadan,” the letter concluded, urging the House of Assembly to intervene swiftly.
The Oyo State House of Assembly is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days.
