A South African Alumnus of Department of Mass Communication of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Sello Matsie, has appealed to the Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde,to reverse his attempt at renaming the frontline institution, which he described as a sanctuary to South African exiles who studied and graduated from the polytechnic while on exile in Nigeria.

Matsie expressed his displeasure at the moves by the Oyo state government to rename the international polytechnic, through an appeal he shared as a comment in one of the several posts on the social media protesting the proposed changing of the name of the famous higher institution by the Seyi Makinde administration of Oyo state

Below are excerpts of the appeal of the South African Alumnus of the legendary international polytechnic to Gov. Seyi Makinde to preserve the name and the legacy of The Polytechnic, Ibadan

Preserve the Name and Legacy of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

“If it is not broken, why fix it?”

Your Excellency,

As one of the many international students who found intellectual refuge at The Polytechnic, Ibadan during difficult chapters of Africa’s history, I join voices from across the continent in appealing against the renaming of this historic institution.

The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is not just a Nigerian landmark, it is a Pan-African symbol of knowledge, resilience and cross cultural solidarity. For decades, it welcomed students from all over the continent including South Africa many of whom were political exiles, freedom fighters and seekers of education when their own countries denied them such opportunities.

To many of us, The Polytechnic Ibadan was not just a school, it was a sanctuary. It stood as a beacon of academic freedom and excellence. It carries the memories of our youth, resistance, hope, and of rebirth. Renaming it, however well-intentioned, risks severing the emotional and historical connections held by thousands across Africa and the diaspora. The sister Institution, University of Ibadan is part of the late Dr Desmond Tutu and Professor Es’kia Mphahlele and many others from South Africa and elsewhere.

This appeal does not oppose honouring the distinguished Dr. Omololu Olunloyo. Rather, it suggests that honour can be given without erasing a legacy. Great leaders do not demand the removal of old monuments to make way for their names , they build new ones.

Across Africa and the world, respected institutions are named for the collective identity and history they serve not individuals alone. The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is such an institution. Changing its name is akin to rewriting the past and unintentionally alienating generations of alumni, both local and international, who proudly carry certificates stamped with its current name.

Let posterity remember your leadership not only for infrastructure and governance, but for humility, for listening, and for preserving the rich, inclusive legacy of Ibadan’s pride; The Polytechnic Ibadan.

Respectfully and in solidarity,

Sello Matsie
Alumnus and former exile
South Africa