Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has insisted that the renaming of The Polytechnic Ibadan to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic was done in honour of a legacy, not out of political convenience or sentiment. While addressing the newly inaugurated governing boards of five state-owned tertiary institutions, the governor expressed readiness to reconsider the decision if presented with a “superior argument.”
His administration had announced the name change in June, citing the contributions of former governor Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, who was also the pioneer rector of the institution. The move, however, has drawn resistance from students and alumni of the polytechnic who believe the original name should remain untouched.
Governor Makinde acknowledged the emotional significance of the name but argued that institutions should not be run on sentiment. “Well, the Baba, according to the record available to us, was the first Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan,” he said. “He must have done his part.”
He says sentiment should not trump substance
Makinde referenced past name change debates, including the case of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), where an attempt to rename the university was dropped after alumni offered logical counterarguments. “If you have any superior argument, we will listen to you,” he stated. “After all, what we should be mostly concerned about is the quality of products from that school.”
He questioned if those opposing the renaming would still object if the polytechnic were to be upgraded to a university in the future. “Would they still want it to be called The Polytechnic, Ibadan?” he asked rhetorically.
Makinde promises dialogue and support
The governor also urged the students and alumni to follow appropriate channels instead of resorting to protests that disrupt public order. “Where your freedom stops is where the freedom of others starts,” he said. “This is an administration that listens.”
Makinde emphasized that his administration is willing to engage, not to dismiss concerns. “If you come to us and raise issues about infrastructure or the quality of graduates, we will listen and act,” he said. “But it must not be about sentiment.”
Government to review subvention, tackle funding crisis
Beyond the renaming debate, Makinde acknowledged the financial struggles of state-owned tertiary institutions. He recalled how his administration increased subvention payments from 50% to 100% after assuming office in 2019. “From day one in office, that singular act added one billion naira to the state’s expenses,” he noted.
He disclosed that the government recently intervened to help the College of Education, Lanlate pay staff salaries. “We are not blind to the hardship. But the state’s resources are limited,” he said. Makinde pledged that his government will hold discussions with the institutions to find lasting solutions to funding challenges.
Boards inaugurated for five institutions
The newly inaugurated boards are for The Polytechnic Ibadan (now Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic), Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki (now Michael Koleoso Polytechnic), Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora; Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate; and the Oyo State College of Health Science & Technology, Ibadan.
Makinde tasked the new boards to uphold quality and ensure students receive education that meets international standards. “Our goal is to ensure that the graduates from these schools can compete globally,” he said.
Name change debate heads to the Assembly
Makinde also acknowledged that a formal bill would soon go to the Oyo State House of Assembly regarding the renaming of The Polytechnic Ibadan. He encouraged stakeholders who still have objections to make their case before the Assembly.
He added that he had listened to the alumni and was open to further discussions. “If you have any issues, not about sentiment, I will listen and I will do whatever I can do within my power to ensure that we lift the infrastructure in that institution,” he promised.
Makinde signs new name for Oke Ogun Polytechnic
At the event, Makinde also signed into law the renaming of Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki to Michael Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki, in honour of another prominent figure from the state.
He used the occasion to commend Professor Ayodeji Omole and the governing council of LAUTECH for helping Oyo State transition from owning one and a half universities to now three full universities, noting their efforts in raising standards and enhancing quality across the state’s higher education sector.
Not about names, but results
Governor Makinde’s message was clear: institutions should be evaluated by their quality, not by their names. “We are constantly trying to see how those universities can sustain standards that are international and universal,” he said. While he remains open to reversing the name change if persuaded by strong logic, his administration is equally focused on solving deeper issues in the tertiary education system, like funding, infrastructure, and academic excellence.
For now, the renaming of The Polytechnic Ibadan remains, but the door is open for engagement, not emotion.
