Polytechnic Ibadan name change has triggered emotional backlash as alumni urge Governor Makinde to preserve the institution’s iconic brand and identity

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] controversial move by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan after the late Governor Omololu Olunloyo has triggered intense reactions across the academic and alumni communities.

Also read: Makinde renames Ibadan polytechnic after Omololu Olunloyo

The renaming, announced during a commendation service in honour of Olunloyo, has been described as emotionally charged and potentially damaging to the institution’s identity by its alumni association.

The National Executive Council of The Polytechnic, Ibadan Alumni Association, led by Acting National President Akinloye Lawal, released a passionate statement from Ibadan, urging Governor Makinde to reconsider the renaming.

They argued that the change not only affects historical continuity but would also impose unnecessary burdens on graduates in terms of certificate verification and global recognition.

“The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is a brand name that should not be wished away,” Lawal stated. “It is a legacy of the entire Western region. Changing the name now would amount to diminishing an academic institution of global repute.”

Lawal explained that the institution’s name has been widely recognised for over five decades and has earned international academic standing.

According to him, renaming it would create avoidable complications for alumni, especially those working or studying abroad, who might face challenges with documentation.

He pointed out that the institution’s standing should not be sacrificed on the altar of sentiment.

“If this honour was done to Olunloyo in recognition of his being the first Principal of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, for a period of less than six months, and Your Excellency believed that he should be honoured, it should be based on logical facts and proper analysis, not emotion,” he said.

The alumni group further proposed alternatives, suggesting that a hall of residence or a major faculty within the institution be named after Olunloyo instead.

This, they believe, would sufficiently honour his legacy without compromising the institution’s identity.

Lawal also cited similar instances in other Nigerian universities where eminent personalities were commemorated without altering the school’s name.

He said, “At the University of Lagos, only a hall – Eni Njoku Hall – is named after its first Vice-Chancellor.

Similarly, at the University of Ibadan, Mellanby Hall honours the first Principal. Such models preserve institutional identity while honouring individuals.”

The statement also referenced historical reversals of name-change decisions in Nigerian higher education. “Nigerians appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to rescind his decision to rename the University of Lagos after Bashorun Moshood Abiola, and he listened,” the statement noted.

“Ibadans appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint an Ibadanman as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan after 73 years. He agreed.”

A member of the alumni who preferred not to be named added, “There’s a deep emotional and historical attachment to the name. Changing it isn’t just about branding; it alters our legacy.”

Alumni across Nigeria and the diaspora are now uniting in their demand that the name, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, be preserved.

They believe that while honouring public figures is laudable, it should never come at the cost of eroding a legacy that spans generations.

Also read: ‘We aren’t part of it’ Ibadan Poly lecturers shun ASUP nationwide strike

As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on Governor Makinde to see whether he will heed the appeal or press forward with a decision that many believe may overshadow his administration’s strides in education.