Ibadan Polytechnic Management Warns Students Against Protest Over Renaming

The management of Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, formerly known as The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has issued a stern warning to students over plans to stage another protest today, Tuesday, July 9, in response to the recent renaming of the institution by the Oyo State Government.

In a statement released on Monday by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Joseph Ogunjimi, the school administration cautioned students against any action that may disrupt academic activities or undermine public order. The statement also urged parents and guardians to call their wards to order.

The protest threat follows the decision of Governor Seyi Makinde to rename the institution in honour of the late Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the state who passed away recently at the age of 89.

The announcement triggered a protest by students last week, during which they marched to the Governor’s Office at Agodi Secretariat, demanding that the school’s original name be reinstated. The students argued that the name change was done without consultation and disregarded the school’s decades-old identity.

Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Revert The Name Now,” “We Are Not Consulted,” and “Our Identity, Our Pride.”

However, in its latest response, the institution’s management issued a statement titled “Poly Management Cautions Students’ Union On Planned Protest, Advises Parents To Call Them To Order”, noting that it had credible information of plans to block the institution’s gates as part of the continued agitation.

“The management advises the Students’ Union and the entire students’ body not to be involved in any protest or closure of the gates leading to the institution,” the statement read.

“The management warns the students against any protest that will be inimical to the interest of the institution and the government, as such action will not be tolerated.

“Any action against the interest of the institution or government will be considered as an affront by the authorities.”

The school also announced that security agencies have been mobilised to ensure peace and order on campus, working in collaboration with the institution’s internal security team.

The administration reiterated its call on parents and guardians to discourage their children from participating in any disruptive activities, as it aims to maintain stability and focus on academic progress amid the controversy.