Alumni reject Ibadan Poly renaming, suggest alternative tribute to Olunloyo

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Alumni Association of The Polytechnic Ibadan has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to reconsider his decision to rename the institution after the late former governor of Oyo State, Omololu Olunloyo.

In a statement signed by Professor Akinloye Lawal, Acting National President of the Alumni Association, the group appealed to the governor to explore alternative ways of honouring Olunloyo without altering the institution’s name.

The association warned that the decision risks eroding the institution’s legacy, complicating global recognition, and weakening the emotional and historical ties of millions of Nigerians to the Polytechnic.

The statement reads in part: “If this honour was done to H.E. Dr. Omololu Olunloyo in recognition of his being the first Principal of The Polytechnic, Ibadan for a period of less than six months… it should be based on logical facts and proper analysis, not emotional.”

“Naming any of our hostels or even our famous Faculty of Engineering after Dr. Olunloyo is a good alternative that will not affect the brand name or image of TPI,” it added.

The alumni further reminded the governor that similar public opposition led to the reversal of attempts to rename the University of Lagos in honour of M.K.O. Abiola during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, and also the reversal of the name change of Ibadan Boys High School after alumni intervention.

They cautioned that the renaming could cause serious challenges to graduates globally, particularly with certificate verification, transcript processing, and institutional recognition.

As of the time of filing this report, the governor has yet to respond to the statement.