- Safiu Kehinde
The Polytechnic of Ibadan students have rejected the renaming of the institution after the late former Oyo state governor, Omololu Olunloyo.
NPO Reported the renaming of the institution by the current state governor, Seyi Makinde.
The governor made the announcement during his remarks at an interdenominational commendation service held in honour of the Olunloyo at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan on Thursday.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued by the Polytechnic’s Students Union Government (SUG), the students expressed their disappointment with the governor’s decision.
In the statement jointly signed by the Union’s President, Oladipupo Olamide; Public Relations Officer, Akinade Bunyamin; and General Secretary, Azeez Tolase, the students labelled the renaming as unjustifiable and disregards the rich heritage and history.
They maintained that the institution under the name, “The Polytechnic, Ibadan” has over 50 years served as a beacon of academic excellence while also earning respect and recognition nationwide.
Changing the name will, according to the students, erase the institution’s identity and legacy while causing irreparable harm to its reputation and alumni.
They demanded for an immediate reversal of the decision while reiterating that the institution must remain The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
The statement read in part; “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. We strongly believe that this decision is unjustifiable and disregards the rich heritage and history of our beloved school.
“For over 50 years, The Polytechnic Ibadan had been a beacon of academic excellence, producing outstanding graduates who have made significant contributions to society.
“The name “The Polytechnic Ibadan” is synonymous with quality education and has earned respect and recognition nationwide.
“Renaming the institution would erase its identity and legacy, causing irreparable harm to its reputation and alumni.
“We urge you to reconsider this decision and all our school to retain its original name, which reflects its history, values, and mission. We are willing to engage in dialogue to find alternative solutions that benefit the institution.
“We request an immediate reversal of this decision and look forward to a prompt response.
“THE POLYTECHNIC IBADAN MUST REMAIN AS THE POLYTECHNIC IBADAN!”