The Alumni Association of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has formally appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to rescind his decision to rename the revered institution after the late former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting National President of the association, Akinloye Lawal, the alumni expressed deep concern over the governor’s announcement during a commendation service for the late Olunloyo, describing the move as one that has sparked widespread unease among stakeholders.
Lawal emphasized that The Polytechnic, with over 50 years of global recognition is a “brand name” of high repute within academic and professional circles, warning that changing the name could damage its heritage and status.
“The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is a brand name that should not be wished away,” Lawal stated. “The institution is a legacy of the entire Western region. Changing its name would not only erase its identity but also plunge it into avoidable struggles for recognition globally.”
Key Concerns Raised by the Alumni:
- 1. Global Recognition Risk: The alumni warned that renaming could confuse institutions, employers, and credential evaluators globally, complicating verification of certificates and transcripts for both current students and alumni.
- 2. Heritage and Legacy: They argued that the institution’s name has become symbolic to millions of Nigerians and that changing it would be a disservice to the Yoruba race and to Nigeria’s educational legacy.
- 3. Economic Cost: The logistical and financial implications of changing documentation, signage, and legal identity were flagged as burdensome, especially during a time of economic hardship.
- 4 Precedents in Other Institutions: Lawal drew comparisons with other notable institutions such as University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Ibadan (UI), where prominent figures were honoured through the naming of residential halls rather than altering the institution’s names.
“At UNILAG, the first Vice-Chancellor, Eni Njoku, was honoured with a hall, not the university itself. At UI, it was Mellanby Hall, not the university’s name. Naming a hall or a faculty after Olunloyo would be more appropriate,” the statement read.
A Call for Dialogue and Alternatives
The alumni offered alternatives for honouring Olunloyo, such as naming a hostel, faculty, or research centre within the institution after him, which they believe would preserve both the legacy of the late statesman and the institution’s global identity.
Lawal reminded Governor Makinde of historical instances where leaders respected public outcry, such as President Goodluck Jonathan’s reversal of the UNILAG renaming after public backlash, and President Buhari’s appointment of an Ibadan indigene as the Vice-Chancellor of UI following similar advocacy.
“We urge you, Your Excellency, to follow in those democratic footsteps and reconsider your decision in the interest of posterity, history, and the pride of the people.”
The statement concluded with an appeal on behalf of millions of past and present students, urging Governor Makinde to protect the legacy of The Polytechnic, Ibadan—a school they described as not just an institution, but a symbol of excellence, identity, and pride.
