Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, have kicked against Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to rename the institution after late Omololu Olunloyo.
Makinde had renamed the institution in honour of Olunloyo, who served as the first governor of the state in old Oyo State.
Olunloyo was the governor of old Oyo State from October 1, 1983 to December 31, 1983, under the military regime of Shehu Shagari.
Students, however, faulted the governor’s decision, noting that they were not consulted.
The students argued that they would like to retain the school name and keep its over 50 years old heritage.
Both entrance gates of the institution and other roads were blocked as they marched to the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, to show to show their grievances.
The Students’ Union leader, Olamide Oladipupo, noted that they are not against honouring leaders, but it shouldn’t be done at the expense of the institution’s legacy.
“We are not against honouring leaders, but not at the expense of our institution’s legacy,” Oladipupo told journalist.
“Sincerely, as bonafide students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, we are not here to fight or revolt. This is not a protest; this is a way of channeling our grievances.
“What we want is for the name of our school to remain The Polytechnic, Ibadan. This is a heritage of over 50 years with alumni all over the world. We can’t allow that heritage to be swept away.
“We want the name to remain The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
“We are here to plead with the governor; we are not here to fight. There is no placard that speaks against the governor. We want the governor to attend to us. There are other monuments that can be named after the late governor. We have ample land for the government to build on and name after him. We are open to discussions; we do not want the name to change.”
The students couldn’t meet the governor but delivered their message to the State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, who urged them to clcalm them.
