Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced plans to digitise the private library of the late former governor Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, while also renaming The Polytechnic Ibadan after him, a move that has sparked strong reactions from students and alumni.
At an executive session held in Ibadan to honour the late governor, Makinde said the digitalisation project aims to preserve Olunloyo’s valuable contributions to education. The governor described the late elder statesman as a key figure in advancing education in the state and said the move recognises his legacy.
However, the renaming of The Polytechnic Ibadan to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic has been met with mixed feelings. Many alumni and students have expressed disappointment and concern over the change.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), alumni questioned the decision, saying the original name carries a rich history and strong reputation that should be preserved.
Students of the Polytechnic have been particularly vocal. The Student Union Government (SUG), led by President Comrade Oladipupo Olamide, issued a statement calling the renaming “unjustifiable and degrading.” The SUG emphasized that The Polytechnic Ibadan has been a symbol of academic excellence for over 50 years and that changing its name risks erasing its identity and legacy.
“We strongly believe this decision disregards the rich heritage of our school,” the statement read. “The name ‘The Polytechnic Ibadan’ is respected nationwide and linked to quality education.”
The government’s plan to digitise Olunloyo’s library aims to create a lasting tribute to the late governor’s work, but the renaming of the polytechnic shows the challenges of balancing respect for individuals with preserving institutional history.
What happens next will depend on how the state government addresses the concerns of students and alumni.
