Students of The Polytechnic Ibadan on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, expressing strong opposition to the recent announcement by Governor Seyi Makinde to rename the institution as Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic(VOOPI).

The students, under the leadership of the President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Olamide Oladipupo, said the decision to change the name of the institution threatens its legacy of over five decades. They argued that the name “The Polytechnic Ibadan” is a historic and symbolic identity that has earned national and international recognition.

Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards, the students insisted that while they hold the late Governor Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo in high regard, they believe the institution’s name should be preserved. They expressed willingness to support the naming of any infrastructure or facility within the school after the late former governor, rather than altering the name of the entire institution.

“The Polytechnic Ibadan is the only polytechnic in Nigeria with the article ‘THE’. It is not just a name but an identity that we wear with pride,” said Oladipupo. “We are open to discussions on how best to honour the late governor, but we appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde to protect the legacy of this institution.”

However, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Sunday Odukoya, addressed the students and urged them to remain calm, assuring them that their concerns would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities.

It would be recalled that Governor Makinde, during a state funeral and commendation service held last Thursday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan, announced the renaming of the polytechnic in honour of Dr Olunloyo, a former governor of the old Oyo State.

The development adds to growing national discourse over the renaming of educational institutions after notable personalities. Similar actions — such as the attempted renaming of the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University and the recent renaming of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University also sparked protests and calls for reversal from students, alumni, and other stakeholders.