Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, on Tuesday launched a protest against the recent decision by the Oyo State Government to rename the institution after late former Governor Omololu Olunloyo.
The protest, which took place at the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, has brought traffic to a standstill, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded along the busy Sango-Eleyele Road.
Governor Seyi Makinde had announced the renaming of the institution to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan in honour of the late elder statesman who died at age 89. Olunloyo, a distinguished academic and politician, was the first Ibadan-born governor of the old Oyo State.
Chanting protest songs and holding placards, students barricaded the institution’s gates and major roads leading to and from the campus, vowing to resist the name change. They argue that the original name carries historic value and represents a legacy that should not be altered without proper consultation with the academic community and stakeholders.
“This name means everything to us. It is not just a school — it’s an identity,” one protesting student told reporters. “We don’t oppose honouring the late Olunloyo, but not at the cost of erasing our school’s heritage.”
The protest caused significant gridlock along Sango-Eleyele Road, with commuters forced to seek alternate routes or wait in long lines as tensions rose.
Security operatives have been deployed to maintain order as the state government is yet to officially respond to the student action.
What you should know
Governor Seyi Makinde renamed The Polytechnic, Ibadan after late Governor Omololu Olunloyo, sparking protests by students who believe the change disregards the institution’s legacy.
The demonstration has disrupted traffic, and tensions remain high as students demand a reversal of the decision.
