Ibadan Polytechnic name change draws student protests as Oyo State government insists on honouring Omololu Olunloyo despite mounting opposition

The Ibadan Polytechnic name change has sparked fierce backlash across the student community, with protests erupting over the state government’s decision to rename the institution after the late Omololu Olunloyo.

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Students have demanded an immediate reversal, calling the move disrespectful to the school’s identity and history.

On Wednesday, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, appeared on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief to defend the government’s position.

His message was clear: the name change is final, and the protests are “miscarried and misplaced.”

Oyelade questioned the logic behind the outrage. “Why would anyone oppose honouring a man who played a foundational role in this institution?” he asked.

He reminded the public that Omololu Olunloyo was appointed as the first director of Ibadan Polytechnic in 1970, at just 45 years old.

According to him, this act is not political but a respectful tribute.

He also cited national precedent, noting that between 17 and 23 institutions across Nigeria have undergone similar renamings.

The Oyo government, he said, is simply aligning with a national tradition of recognising academic and civic contributions.

Still, students are not satisfied. Hundreds took to the streets on Tuesday, holding signs and chanting slogans, demanding that the original name be left untouched.

Many feel that the decision was made without public input or respect for the institution’s legacy.

One student protester said, “The name is more than letters—it’s a part of our lives and future. This should not be a unilateral decision.”

Similar sentiments have been echoed on social media, where hashtags opposing the name change continue to trend.

The ibadan polytechnic name change has also stirred reactions among alumni.

While some support the honouring of Olunloyo, others warn that the change could confuse employers and affect the reputation the institution has built over decades.

Critics argue that Olunloyo could be honoured through buildings, halls, or academic programmes—without renaming the entire institution.

Despite the protests, the Oyo State Government remains unwavering. Oyelade insisted that the name change is a permanent tribute to a man who shaped the institution from its inception.

“We stand by that decision because it honours a worthy son of Oyo State,” he said.

Civil society groups have begun urging the government to reconsider or at least consult widely before implementation.

They caution that ignoring public sentiment may deepen the divide between young people and those in authority.

Observers say the protests reflect broader tensions in Nigeria’s education system—where heritage, politics, and identity often collide.

Renaming institutions is not unusual, but doing so without public consensus frequently leads to controversy, as seen in this case.

While the government views the decision as an act of respect, many students see it as an act of erasure.

The question now is whether sustained protest will shift the state’s position or whether the change will stand as a new chapter in the institution’s story.

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For now, the ibadan polytechnic name change continues to dominate public debate in Oyo State and beyond. Whether seen as a tribute or a misstep, it has already made its mark in Nigeria’s education history.