Students of The Polytechnic Ibadan have urged Governor Seyi Makinde to reconsider his decision to rename the institution after the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo.
The students expressed their dissatisfaction in a statement issued by the institution’s Students’ Union Government in Ibadan on Friday.
The statement was jointly signed by the union’s President, Olamide Oladipupo; General Secretary, Tolase Azeez; and the Public Relations Officer, Ridwan Akinade.
“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 has been a beacon of academic excellence, producing outstanding graduates who have made significant contributions to society,” it read.
According to the statement, the name, The Polytechnic Ibadan, has been synonymous with quality education and has earned respect and recognition nationwide.
It added that 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 allow 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 statement read.
Recall that Gov. Seyi Makinde announced the renaming during Thursday’s commendation service in honour of Olunloyo, the late ex-governor of the state.
Makinde stated that in honour of Olunloyo, he would be renaming the institution, where the deceased had served as its first rector, after him.