Makinde inaugurates tertiary councils, addresses polytechnic renaming debate

Makinde inaugurates tertiary councils, addresses polytechnic renaming debate

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday inaugurated governing councils for five state-owned tertiary institutions, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to revitalizing education and strengthening institutional governance.

The newly constituted councils were appointed for The Polytechnic Ibadan, Michael Koleoso Polytechnic (formerly Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki), Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora; Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate; and Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Ibadan.

Among those appointed to lead the councils are Professor Lanre Nassar (The Polytechnic, Ibadan), Rt. Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan (Health Science and Technology), Comrade Olusegun Oyewumi (College of Education, Lanlate), Dr. Amusan Damilare Gideon (College of Agriculture, Igboora), and Dr. Bisi Ojebola (Michael Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki).

At the inauguration ceremony in Ibadan, Makinde signed into law the official renaming of the Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, to Michael Koleoso Polytechnic, in honour of the elder statesman and political leader. He praised Koleoso’s contributions to education and regional development.

Addressing ongoing concerns over a proposal to rename The Polytechnic Ibadan after former Governor Victor Omololu Olunloyo, Makinde acknowledged the reactions from stakeholders, particularly alumni. He urged concerned groups to direct their feedback to the Oyo State House of Assembly, where the proposal will undergo legislative scrutiny.

Makinde emphasized that recognition for public service must be balanced with institutional integrity. He noted that while Olunloyo, as the Polytechnic’s pioneer rector, deserves to be honoured, decisions must be guided by reason and stakeholder consensus, not emotion.

The governor also addressed funding issues in the tertiary education sector, noting that his administration has increased monthly spending due to full subvention payments and wage adjustments. Despite rising costs, he assured continued support for the institutions.

Makinde urged the newly inaugurated council members to uphold transparency, strengthen academic standards, and work collaboratively with government to ensure sustainable development across all institutions. The event was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker Debo Ogundoyin, and other dignitaries.