Students of The Polytechnic Ibadan have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to reconsider his decision to rename the institution after the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo.
Their opposition was conveyed in a statement issued by the institution’s Students’ Union Government in Ibadan on Friday.
The statement was jointly signed by the union’s President, Olamide Oladipupo; General Secretary, Tolase Azeez; and Public Relations Officer, Ridwan Akinade.
“We, the Students’ Union Government of The Polytechnic Ibadan, are writing to express our utmost disapproval and disappointment at the recent decision to rename our institution,” the statement read.
“We strongly believe that this decision is unjustifiable and disregards the rich heritage and history of our beloved school.”
The union argued that for over five decades, The Polytechnic Ibadan has stood as a centre of academic excellence and produced graduates who have made meaningful contributions to society.
It stated that the institution’s name is widely recognised and respected across the country, and that changing it would diminish its identity and legacy, potentially harming its reputation and the pride of its alumni.
“We urge you to reconsider this decision and allow our school to retain its original name, which reflects its history, values, and mission,” the union stated.
The students also expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the state government to explore alternative ways of honouring the late Olunloyo without altering the institution’s name.
“We request an immediate reversal of this decision and look forward to a prompt response,” they added.
Governor Makinde had announced the renaming of the institution during a commendation service held on Thursday in honour of Dr Omololu Olunloyo, who served as the first rector of the institution and was also a former governor of Oyo State.
(NAN)