Controversy has erupted in Oyo State following Governor Seyi Makinde’s announcement to rename The Polytechnic Ibadan after former governor and mathematician, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.
Dr. Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025, was the first Ibadan indigene to govern old Oyo State and also served as the pioneer principal of the institution. In honour of his contributions, Governor Makinde proposed renaming the school as Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.
However, this move has sparked widespread outrage and protest among students, alumni, civil groups, and prominent citizens.
On Tuesday, students blocked the main gate of the school and the busy Sango-Eleyele road in protest. This caused heavy traffic and left many commuters and staff stranded.
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) described the proposed name change as “unjustifiable and degrading,” arguing that it would erase the school’s identity and long-standing reputation.
“For over 50 years, The Polytechnic Ibadan has stood as a symbol of academic excellence and heritage. Changing its name now will damage its legacy,” said SUG President, Olamide Oladipupo.
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) also kicked against the move, calling it a “mere symbolic gesture” that does not address the deeper issues facing the institution. The group urged Governor Makinde to focus instead on funding, infrastructure, and staff welfare.
“Renaming without real reforms is an empty ritual,” said CDWR State Coordinator, Abiodun Bamigboye.
A former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), **Chief Adeyemi Soladoye**, also joined the opposition. He urged Makinde not to be misled by “political jobbers” and warned that the name change could cause emotional and cultural disconnection among millions who identify with the institution.
“The Polytechnic Ibadan is not just a school—it is a legacy of the old Western Region and a pride of the Yoruba people,” Soladoye stated.
He reminded the governor that previous leaders, including President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari, had reversed similar controversial decisions after public outcry.
Despite the backlash, Governor Makinde maintains that the move is meant to honour a man of great intellect and historical relevance.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling on the governor to listen to public opinion and focus on strengthening the institution, rather than changing its name.
