Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, officially inaugurated the governing councils of five state-owned tertiary institutions, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to strengthening higher education governance and standards.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Ibadan, the state capital, witnessed the presence of top government functionaries including Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; and the Chief Judge of Oyo State, represented by Justice K.A. Adedokun. Also in attendance were former Deputy Governors, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, and Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, as well as former Speaker, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.
Other dignitaries included Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi; Chairman, Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde; PDP State Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; and Chairman of the Forum of Local Government Chairmen, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda.
The five institutions whose governing councils were inaugurated are:
The Polytechnic, Ibadan
Michael Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki (formerly The Oke Ogun Polytechnic)
Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora
Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate
Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Ibadan
Appointed council chairpersons are:
Professor Lanre Nassar – The Polytechnic, Ibadan
Dr. Bisi Ojebola – Michael Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki
Dr. Amusan Damilare Gideon – Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora
Comrade Olusegun Oyewumi – Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate
Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan – Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Ibadan
Other council members were also sworn in at the event.
Governor Makinde used the occasion to sign into law the renaming of The Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, to Michael Koleoso Polytechnic, in honour of the elder statesman and former Minister of Communications.
In his address, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality, infrastructure, and academic output of the state’s tertiary institutions. He further acknowledged the ongoing concerns surrounding the proposed renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic.
“We are aware of the sentiments around the proposed renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan. This administration is open to robust engagement with stakeholders, including alumni and student representatives,” Makinde stated. “If superior, evidence-based arguments are presented—not rooted in sentiment—we will consider them. Infrastructure, graduate quality, and institutional legacy must remain our guiding priorities.”
The governor reiterated that all decisions taken will prioritise institutional excellence and stakeholder consensus, in line with the administration’s education development agenda.
