Alumni Oppose Renaming of Ibadan Poly, Say It Threatens Historical Legacy
Former students and alumni of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, have formally expressed their disapproval of the recent move by the Oyo State Government to rename the institution after the late former governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.
In a petition addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde, the alumni described the decision as an attempt to erase the institution’s identity and diminish the value of its legacy, which spans over five decades.
The petition, signed by Dr. Ismail Adewoyin on behalf of concerned ex-students, acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Olunloyo to the development of the state but maintained that attaching his name to the institution was inappropriate.
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“We are not opposed to honouring Dr. Olunloyo, but renaming The Polytechnic, Ibadan after a politician undermines its legacy,” the petition read. “The school has, for more than 50 years, built a strong identity around academic excellence and technological innovation. Its name carries weight in Nigeria and beyond, and thousands of alumni across various industries identify with that heritage.”
The group also referenced the 2014 incident at the University of Lagos, where a similar renaming move—this time to honour Chief M.K.O. Abiola—was met with public resistance and eventually reversed due to alumni outcry.
Drawing from that precedent, the alumni urged Governor Makinde to explore alternative ways to immortalise Dr. Olunloyo’s contributions, suggesting public infrastructure such as the state secretariat or new government estates as more suitable options.
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“We appeal to Your Excellency to reconsider and rescind the decision. Let the institution continue to bear the name under which it has built its reputation and produced generations of innovators and professionals,” the petition concluded.
Governor Makinde had announced the renaming during a recent interdenominational service held in honour of the late Olunloyo, who passed away in April at the age of 90. The decision has since sparked debate among education stakeholders and the Oyo public.