Academic and other activities at the main campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, were brought to a standstill yesterday as students protested the renaming of the institution to Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The students blocked the entrance gates of the institution and the busy Sango-Eleyele Road, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.
The renaming decision, announced by Makinde during an interdenominational service in honour of the late former governor Omololu Olunloyo, was intended to recognise Olunloyo’s contributions to the education sector in Oyo State and Nigeria. Olunloyo, the first Ibadan indigene to serve as governor of the old Oyo State, held office between October and December 1983.
However, the decision has sparked controversy, with students insisting it disregards the institution’s identity.
After their protest on Sango-Eleyele Road, the students marched to the Oyo State Government Secretariat Complex, where they blocked the entrance gates, disrupting activities within the premises. Despite the tense atmosphere, the protest remained largely peaceful as the students demanded to have their voices heard.
Armed with placards bearing messages such as “Our Name, Our Identity,” “Respect Our Legacy,” “Say No to OOPI,” and “Revert the Name Now,” the students expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation before the renaming.
“We are not against honouring leaders, but not at the expense of our institution’s legacy,” one student protester stated.
Security personnel were deployed to manage the situation and ensure the protest remained non-violent.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Youth Development Agency, Adebowale Falana, addressed the students, calling for calm and urging them to engage in dialogue with the government.
In his response, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal appealed to the peaceful protesting students to resume their studies.
