Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, staged a protest against the state government’s decision to rename the institution after the late former governor, Omololu Olunloyo.
The protest disrupted academic activities and left many commuters stranded across parts of Ibadan, particularly around the Sango-Eleyele and Agodi axis, as students blocked the institution’s entrance gates and surrounding roads.
Governor Seyi Makinde had recently announced the renaming of the polytechnic to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic in honour of the late former governor, who was the first Ibadan native to govern the old Oyo State. Olunloyo died at the age of 89.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Revert The Name Now,” “Our Identity, Our Pride,” and “We Were Not Consulted,” the students marched to the Governor’s Office at the Secretariat in Agodi, demanding the reversal of the decision.
Speaking during the demonstration, Students’ Union President, Olamide Oladipupo, said the protest was not against honouring a respected figure but about protecting the school’s identity and legacy.
“We are not here to revolt or cause chaos. We are only expressing our grievances,” Oladipupo said. “We are proud students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan. This institution has existed for over 50 years, with alumni across the world. Changing its name without consultation erodes our heritage.”
He appealed to the government to explore alternative ways to honour the late Olunloyo, such as naming new projects or institutions after him, rather than renaming the polytechnic.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, who addressed the students on behalf of Governor Makinde, urged them to remain calm and assured them that their concerns would be relayed to the governor.
“On behalf of the governor, I urge you to remain peaceful. Your demands will be presented to him as soon as he returns,” Lawal stated.
The students later dispersed peacefully, stating that they awaited the government’s response to their request.
