Throughout history, academic institutions have been named after exceptional individuals whose lives, through scholarship, leadership, and civic service, have shaped society. Such naming honors their legacy and inspires students and staff. The proposal to rename The Polytechnic Ibadan as Victor Sunday Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic aligns with this tradition. Dr Olunloyo was the institution’s first Rector and a pioneering mathematician, technocrat, and statesman whose contributions merit recognition.
Dr Olunloyo was born on April 14, 1935, in Ibadan. He completed his Higher School Certificate within three months and graduated top of his province. He earned a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of St Andrews in 1958 and completed a PhD in Applied Mathematics and Number Theory in 1961 at approximately age 25
At the age of 27, he was appointed Commissioner for Economic Development in the Western Region under Dr. Moses Majekodunmi and later held portfolios in education, local government, and chieftaincy affairs. He also served as the first Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan, where he established high academic and administrative standards. In October 1983, he became the first Ibadan-born Governor of Oyo State until December 1983.
On June 26, 2025, Governor Seyi Makinde announced the renaming of the institution as Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic during a state funeral service. The decision has met with resistance. On July 1, 2025, hundreds of students blocked campus gates and nearby roads in protest. The Students’ Union argued that the institution’s legacy and reputation might be compromised.
It is a long-standing practice worldwide to name or rename higher education institutions in honour of distinguished individuals. Examples include: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Ahmadu Bello University (Nigeria), Ben‑Gurion University (Israel), and Babeș‑Bolyai University (Romania). These names serve as enduring markers of values and aspirations tied to their patrons’ legacies.
The students’ concern about naming is understandable, yet it narrows the broader challenge. The real debate should not be about what the institution is called, but about ensuring it fulfills its mandate. In recent years, the Polytechnic has fallen short in producing blue-collar professionals who are innovative and have opportunities. Its core mission to nurture technical talent has been compromised by recurring strikes, underfunded facilities, and declining manpower.
Rather than fixating on symbolic gestures, the Students’ Union should shift focus to securing genuine commitment from the government toward:
Proper funding for capital projects, staff salaries, and maintenance
Improved academic standards and accreditation
Opportunities for all graduates, including job placement and entrepreneurship support
The Polytechnic’s true transformation lies in these substantive achievements, not in its name.
Renaming The Polytechnic Ibadan as Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic is an appropriate honor to a man of intellect, public service, and integrity. However, to truly honour Dr. Olunloyo, this symbolic act must catalyze tangible improvements. In a society where wealth and affluence often overshadow probity and where the younger generation may overlook honest figures who did not acquire conspicuous riches, this renaming must serve as a reminder of an alternative path: integrity, modesty, and service. Through renewed investment, quality education, inclusive governance, and programmes reflecting his life’s work, the institution can embody the legacy of its namesake. In doing so, Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic will honor its namesake both in name and in deed.
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Dr. Oludare Ogunlana is a Texas-based academic specialising in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. He publishes and speaks widely on public policy, security, and education.
