Samuel Omang
Alumni and students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday announced a rejection of the renaming of the institution by the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, after the late former Governor Omololu Olunloyo.
Governor Makinde had, on Thursday, announced the renaming of the institution in honour of late Olunloyo, who was the first Rector of the institution, a decision that has dawned a mixed reaction among residents of Ibadan, especially education stakeholders.
Speaking with the Journal immediately the news broke out on Thursday, some former students and concerned citizens voiced their disapproval of the move, arguing that the institution’s legacy and identity should be preserved.
Mr. Tunde Akintola, an alumnus of the institution stated that many former students are not in support of the renaming.
“We don’t agree with this decision. Even when UNILAG was proposed to be renamed after MKO Abiola, the students resisted it, and the name was never changed. It remains UNILAG, not MALAGA,” he said.
Another former student, Mr. Stephen Bright, had suggested that instead of renaming the institution, the government should focus on upgrading it to university status.
“It’s the only Polytechnic in Nigeria that starts with ‘The’ — The Polytechnic, Ibadan. That uniqueness should be preserved,” he added.
An Ibadan resident, Mr. Olufemi Oladejo, strongly opposed the renaming and called on the Students’ Union of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to reject it.
“Leave The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as it is. Name something else after Dr. Olunloyo. That name carries glory and history for the people of Ibadan. Just because your children don’t school in Nigeria doesn’t mean you should rename institutions without consideration. Name a road or building after him, not our beloved Polytechnic,” he asserted.
On the other hand, some stakeholders had supported the move. Education consultant Mr. Matthew Olojede noted that the late Omololu Olunloyo was a pioneer rector of the institution and deserves to be honored.
“Olunloyo truly deserves this recognition,” Olojede said.
Meanwhile, in an official reaction, a statement released by the President of the Students Union Government, Oladipupo Olamide, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Friday, expressed disappointment over the decision.
“We strongly believe that this decision is unjustifiable and disregards the rich heritage and history of our beloved school,” Olamide said, echoing the voices of the students and the institution’s alumni.
The Polytechnic Ibadan was established in 1970 with Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo as its first Rector.