By JKNewsMedia
THE DECISION to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan, after the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo, has been firmly rejected by the Youth Arise Movement (Y.A.M.), which has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to reconsider the move, warning that the change may damage the institution’s identity and global standing.
The group acknowledged the Governor’s intent to honour the memory of the late Olunloyo, who served as the first rector of the Polytechnic, but argued that the name change threatens the legacy and institutional prestige built over decades.
They stated that while the effort to immortalise Olunloyo may be well-meaning, it lacks sufficient justification, particularly as The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has earned a global reputation for excellence in technical education and innovation.
The statement, signed by Comrade Ademola Babatunde Abidemi, former Students’ Union President and current National Coordinator, Y.A.M., described the institution as a citadel of technological excellence with the capacity to attain full university status.
It stressed that altering its name could jeopardise international academic recognition for its graduates, particularly those pursuing further studies abroad.
The Y.A.M. highlighted the challenges the institution already faces, such as underfunding and insufficient support for research and innovation.
It urged the Governor to redirect efforts toward improving infrastructure and investing in human capital to elevate the Polytechnic’s standing within Nigeria and beyond, instead of focusing on what it called an unnecessary rebranding.
According to the statement, naming a major road or a landmark such as the Cocoa House after the late Olunloyo would be more appropriate and less controversial.
It also raised questions about the legacy of the former Governor, arguing that his tenure was not significantly beneficial to the institution.
Governor Makinde was challenged to provide evidence of any notable contributions made by Dr Olunloyo that would justify the renaming.
Without such clarification, the Y.A.M. warned that convincing stakeholders, including students, parents, alumni, and academic staff, would be a difficult task.
The statement concluded with a call to the Oyo State House of Assembly (OSHA) to reject any legislation that would support the name change.
It described the move as potentially politically motivated and cautioned against actions that could erode the core values and heritage of the Polytechnic Ibadan.
