Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, took to the streets on Tuesday in a peaceful protest against the recent decision by Governor Seyi Makinde to rename their institution as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic. The change, meant to honour the late former governor of old Oyo State, Omololu Olunloyo, who died at 89, has sparked outrage among students who say they were never consulted.
The protest disrupted normal activities on campus and brought parts of Ibadan to a standstill, as students blocked the school gate and nearby roads. With placards reading messages like “Revert the Name Now” and “Our Identity, Our Pride,” they marched to the Governor’s Office in Agodi to make their voices heard.
Students’ Union President, Olamide Oladipupo, made it clear that the protest was not about disrespecting Chief Olunloyo or the governor. “We respect our leaders, and we agree that Chief Olunloyo deserves to be honoured,” he said. “But not at the expense of our school’s identity. The Polytechnic, Ibadan has been our name and our pride for over 50 years. It’s part of who we are.”
He added that the government could find other ways to celebrate Chief Olunloyo’s legacy—like naming a new institution or public structure after him—without altering a name that carries decades of history and recognition.
Students are calling on the governor to reconsider the decision and open a dialogue with them and other key stakeholders. Though Governor Makinde has yet to issue an official response, the students’ peaceful march has made one thing clear: for them, the name “The Polytechnic, Ibadan” represents more than a title, it’s a symbol of legacy, unity, and identity.