Students Shutdown Campus in Protest Against School Renaming

&Campus shut down as students storm Oyo Secretariat
&Union leaders demand reinstatement of schools original name

Academic and administrative activities at The Polytechnic, Ibadan came to a standstill on Tuesday as students staged a large-scale protest against the Oyo State Governments decision to rename the institution after the late former Governor Omololu Olunloyo.

Hundreds of students marched from the campus to the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards bearing messages such as Revert The Name Now, Our Identity, Our Pride, and We Were Not Consulted.

The demonstration severely disrupted traffic across major routes in Ibadan, leaving many commuters stranded for hours. Protesters also blocked key campus access points and adjoining roads, causing gridlock in parts of the city.

Governor Seyi Makinde had recently announced that the institution would now be called Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, in honour of the late statesman, who was the first Ibadan-born governor of the old Oyo State and passed away at the age of 89.

While the government described the renaming as a tribute to Olunloyos legacy, students criticised the move for lacking proper consultation with vital stakeholders such as students, staff, and alumni.

President of the Student Union Government, Olamide Oladipupo, addressed reporters during the protest, stating that although students respect the contributions of past leaders, altering the institutions name undermines its six-decade history and global reputation.

We are not revolting; we are expressing our deep concern. This is not a fight. What we want is for our school to retain the name The Polytechnic, Ibadana name recognised worldwide with proud and accomplished alumni, Oladipupo said.

There are numerous other projects, roads, or institutions that could honour the late governor. Changing the name of our school is not the right choice. This is our identity, and we want it safeguarded, he added.

Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who received the protesters on behalf of Governor Makinde, appealed for restraint and pledged to convey their demands to the governor upon his return.

On behalf of the Governor, I appeal to you all to remain peaceful. Your concerns will be relayed to him, and he will respond accordingly, Lawal assured.