In the turbulent tide of Nigerian politics, institutions often become unwilling casualties in the war of ego and sentiment. The recent decision by Governor Seyi Makinde to rename The Polytechnic, Ibadan after Dr. Omololu Olunloyo has ignited public outcry—and rightly so. It is a decision not only politically tone-deaf but symbolically damaging to the institution and what it represents.
An Institution of Excellence, Now Diminished
Founded in 1970, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has grown into one of the most reputable citadels of technological and entrepreneurial education in Nigeria. It has produced alumni who have towered nationally and internationally, shaping industries, building businesses, and upholding the dignity of the institution with integrity and hard work.
Among its distinguished alumni are:
Yinka Ayefele, renowned broadcaster and media entrepreneur;
Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, data science and AI expert;
Chief Sunday Igboho, a controversial but powerful symbol of indigenous advocacy;
Would the countless captains of industry, civil engineers, architects, and business moguls who rose from its classrooms to global boardrooms appreciate Makinde’s dishonouring honour?
To now rename such a forward-facing institution after Dr. Olunloyo, a man whose public legacy is haunted more by political infamy than professional acclaim, is to trample upon the honour the school has so diligently built over the decades.
Who Is Dr. Omololu Olunloyo?
Omololu Olunloyo is no doubt a brilliant man. A mathematician of rare intellect. A scholar with a quick mind. But governance is not calculus. Public honour is not awarded merely on the altar of intelligence—it must be earned by public impact, integrity, and a life aligned with the values of a progressive society.
Let us not forget that Dr. Olunloyo’s emergence as the Governor of Oyo State in 1983 was not a testament to democratic victory but a fruit of one of the most brazenly rigged elections in Nigeria’s political history—an election that cost the defunct NPN the legitimacy of public trust and hastened the collapse of the Second Republic. His short-lived tenure remains a footnote in a chapter Nigeria wishes it could rewrite.
To now dress this past in institutional regalia and hang it upon the gates of a proud academic community is to not only dishonour the Polytechnic, but to mock our collective democratic memory.
The Symbolism of Names
Naming is not a casual act. It is a symbolic immortalization. It is a way of declaring to the next generation, “Here is someone whose life and legacy we ask you to emulate.” To tie The Polytechnic, Ibadan to the legacy of someone who rode to office on the back of electoral malpractice is to betray our national journey toward democratic rectitude.
At a time when Nigeria is in desperate need of renewed hope, it is profoundly contradictory to reward the relics of political manipulation. If democracy is to mean anything—if June 12 is to remain sacred—then no institution should carry the name of anyone whose rise was born in electoral fraud.
The Way Forward: Honour With Discernment
This is not to say that Dr. Olunloyo should not be honoured. But let the honour match the merit. Name a mathematics research center after him. Create an endowed chair in mathematics or logic in a university. But don’t hijack a living institution whose identity is built on merit and grassroots empowerment to elevate a controversial political figure.
Governor Seyi Makinde must listen to the voices of alumni, students, and the wider public. This is not mere noise—it is the cry of conscience. Reversing this decision is not a sign of weakness, but an act of leadership humility. It will show that while he governs, the people are not voiceless. It will redeem both the institution and the governor’s own legacy.
I remain yours, in the spirit of Nation Building; The Bold, Inspiring and Dynamic; Bolaji O. Akinyemi, an Apostle and Nation Builder. The President Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. A strategic Communicator and the C.E.O, Masterbuilder Communications.
Email:bolajiakinyemi66@gmail.com
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