The Oyo State Government has said it will not reverse its decision to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan, after the late former governor, Victor Omololu Olunloyo, despite protests by students of the institution.
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, made this clear on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
Oyelade said the renaming was a way to honour Olunloyo’s important role in the history of the school and the state. He reminded the public that Olunloyo, at just 35 years old in 1970, was the first rector of the polytechnic.
“We stand by that decision because it is a worthy decision for a worthy son of your state,” the commissioner said.
His comment came a day after students of the school marched to the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan to protest against the change. They carried placards and asked Governor Seyi Makinde to keep the institution’s original name.
The students, led by their Student Union President, Olamide Oladipupo, argued that the name of the polytechnic is known all over the world and should be left untouched to preserve its legacy.
Oyelade, however, suggested the protest was based on a lack of understanding of Olunloyo’s contribution to the institution and the state at large.
“We respect our students a lot. We defer to them. But we will be fair, and we will be tough. This time around, we are sticking by our decision,” he said.
On June 26, Governor Makinde announced the renaming of the school during a state funeral service held for Olunloyo at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan.
The governor said the change was part of efforts to immortalise the former governor and scholar, who passed away on April 6, 2025. He also mentioned plans to digitise Olunloyo’s library as another way to preserve his legacy.
Olunloyo served briefly as governor of Oyo State from October to December 1983 and was a respected academic throughout his life.
