Protests Erupt Over Makinde’s Plan to Rename The Polytechnic Ibadan After Olunloyo

Students, alumni, and civic groups have voiced strong opposition to plans by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to rename The Polytechnic Ibadan in honour of former Governor Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.

Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025, was the institution’s first principal and served briefly as governor of old Oyo State from October to December 1983. Makinde announced the proposed change as a tribute to Olunloyo’s legacy as a renowned mathematician and public figure.

However, the move has triggered widespread backlash.

Students Protest, Shut Down Road

On Tuesday, hundreds of students staged protests, barricading the institution’s gates and blocking the busy Sango–Eleyele Road, stranding commuters, residents, and staff. The Students’ Union Government (SUG) described the decision as “unjustifiable and degrading.”

SUG President Olamide Oladipupo argued that renaming the 50-year-old institution would erase its identity and undermine its reputation. “The Polytechnic Ibadan is synonymous with quality education and has earned nationwide respect,” he said. “This decision disregards our history and legacy.” He urged the governor to reverse course and preserve the institution’s original name.

Activists: Name Change Is Symbolic, Real Issues Remain

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) criticized the renaming as a symbolic gesture that does nothing to address deeper problems, such as poor infrastructure, casualization of workers, and inadequate funding. Oyo CDWR Coordinator Abiodun Bamigboye called for a comprehensive development plan to upgrade facilities, improve staff welfare, and reduce fees, warning that without these measures, the renaming would be an “empty ritual.”

The group also condemned what it described as anti-labour practices, including the widespread use of casual staff and interference in union activities. CDWR demanded an end to what it called management’s intimidation of workers and suppression of trade unions.

Former CCII President Warns Against “Political Jobbers”

Former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adeyemi Soladoye, also urged Makinde to reconsider. Soladoye, himself an alumnus of the Polytechnic, described the move as a disservice to the Yoruba race. He argued that the institution was established for the entire Western Region, not an individual legacy.

Drawing parallels to previous controversies, he recalled how President Goodluck Jonathan abandoned the renaming of the University of Lagos after MKO Abiola following public outcry. “Even the cost of changing records and documents at a time of hardship should compel a rethink,” he added.

Soladoye emphasized that while Dr. Olunloyo deserved honour, naming multiple public assets after him—including a park at the Ibadan Airport—was excessive. He appealed to the governor’s populist instincts: “Please allow the people to win on this case. It will cost you nothing and heal built-up grievances.”

What’s Next

Despite mounting criticism, the state government has not formally indicated whether it will proceed with the renaming or engage stakeholders in further consultations.