The alumni of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, have expressed dissatisfaction with the institution’s renaming, thereby calling for a review.
The respondents expressed their dissatisfaction in separate interviews, while flyers highlighting the need to review the pronouncement are now trending on social media.
Recall that Governor. Seyi Makinde announced the institution’s renaming after the late ex-governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, during the deceased’s commendation service in Ibadan.
Mr Yomi Akande, an alumnus and the institute’s Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) leader, said many other alumni had been expressing dissatisfaction since the announcement.
“As an alumnus of The Polytechnic Ibadan, the name of the institution is a force to reckon with anywhere in the world.
“So, taking away that name is somehow because of the prestige that comes with it.
“The governor needed to have considered other factors before making such a pronouncement.
“The name of the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo is good, but what many people are against is the changing of the name, The Polytechnic Ibadan.
“It is not that the change of name will bring new development to the school,” he said.
Another alumnus, Mr Olaoluwa Olabode, said that the renaming would affect both past and current students negatively.
According to him, he doesn’t see the move bringing any improvement to the educational institution, alleging that it was done with a political undertone.
“What benefits would the change of name bring to the school?” Olabode queried.
In his opinion, another alumnus, Mr Sanmi Olatunde, said perhaps the government should have renamed a particular building in the school instead of the institution’s name.
“This is the only polytechnic we have in Ibadan; it is not right that the name of the institution is changed,” Olatunde said.
Calling for a review, an Ibadan indigene and alumnus, Mr Tayo Olaleye, described the institution as the pride of the ancient city of Ibadan that should not be tampered with.
According to him, it is not acceptable for the name to be changed at will.
Furthermore, Olaleye said the renaming would affect the students in easily securing favour and job opportunities with the alumni.
“This is a prestigious institution whose name has been resounding in many spheres for decades, at home and abroad, so we do not welcome the sudden renaming,” Olaleye said.
Recall that Olunloyo died on April 6, a few days before April 14, when he would have turned 90 years old.
