Photo credit: The Nation
The Polytechnic Ibadan has been shut down as students protest against the institution’s renaming by the Oyo State Government.
The protest, which caused a severe traffic disruption along the Sango-Eleyele axis of the city, was sparked by the state government’s recent renaming of the institution as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, in honour of the departed former governor of the old Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, who passed away in June at 89.
Governor Seyi Makinde, in a statement earlier this week, said the renaming was to immortalize Olunloyo, the first Ibadan indigene to govern the old Oyo State, and a renowned mathematician whose legacy, according to the government, deserves a lasting tribute.
The move, however, did not sit well with the student body who described the change as “a unilateral and unnecessary decision”, insisting that the name “The Polytechnic, Ibadan” carries decades of heritage, pride, and recognition across Nigeria and beyond.
“This school has built a reputation over more than five decades. Renaming it without consulting stakeholders, especially students and alumni, is disrespectful and wrong,” said one protesting student, who spoke anonymously.
Chanting protest songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We Say No to Name Change”, “Preserve Our Legacy”, and “We Are Not Politicians”, the students barricaded both the North and South gates of the institution as early as 7:00 a.m., effectively cutting off access to staff, visitors, and even some trapped students.
The protest spilled onto the adjoining Sango-Eleyele Road, a major traffic artery in Ibadan, causing gridlock and forcing commuters to seek alternative routes. Many travelers and commercial transport operators were left stranded, with reports of long queues and delayed movement throughout the morning.
Some business owners in the area also shut down temporarily as tension rose and crowds gathered.
Security operatives from the Oyo State Police Command and the Amotekun Corps had arrived at the scene to prevent escalation. As of press time, the protest remained largely peaceful, with no confirmed reports of violence, arrests, or injuries.
Efforts to get an official response from the Oyo State Ministry of Education or the Office of the Governor were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.
Meanwhile, several alumni groups have taken to social media to express solidarity with the protesting students. Some accused the state government of politicizing education and warned that such actions could erode the institution’s brand value and accreditation legacy.
“Changing a school’s name is not just symbolic; it affects the identity of certificates, alumni credibility, and institutional branding,” said an alumnus in a viral X (formerly Twitter) post.
“As the standoff continues, many are calling on the Oyo State Government to suspend the renaming process and open dialogue with stakeholders, including the student union, alumni, academic staff, and civil society groups.
The Polytechnic, Ibadan, founded in 1970, is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and historic polytechnics, known for its engineering, science, and technology programs.
