Students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, on Tuesday staged a protest against the Oyo State Government’s decision to rename the institution, causing widespread disruption along the busy Sango–Eleyele Road in the state capital.
The protest, which began early in the day, saw students block the main gates of the institution and barricade adjoining roads, leaving hundreds of commuters and staff stranded. The demonstration brought traffic to a standstill, making movement difficult for residents, travelers, and workers in the area.
Governor Seyi Makinde had recently announced plans to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan in honour of the late Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the old Oyo State and the pioneer rector of the institution. Olunloyo served briefly as governor between October and December 1983.
However, the decision has not gone down well with many students, who argue that the institution’s original identity and legacy should be preserved.
The protest prevented staff from accessing the campus and brought academic and administrative activities to a halt. Although the demonstration remained largely peaceful, the heavy traffic and disruption caused considerable frustration for road users and school personnel alike.
As of the time of filing this report, the protest had drawn the attention of relevant authorities, though the students remained firm in their demand that the proposed name change be reversed.
