A mass protest by students of The Polytechnic Ibadan on Tuesday brought vehicular movement to a standstill along the ever-busy Sango–Eleyele Road in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, leaving hundreds of commuters, staff, and residents stranded.
The demonstration follows Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent announcement to rename the institution as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the old Oyo State who served briefly from October to December 1983.
Students, who expressed strong opposition to the renaming, mobilised in large numbers and barricaded the institution’s main gates and major access roads as early as dawn. The protest action halted movement on the Sango–Eleyele axis, affecting both private and commercial transport.
Many staff members of the polytechnic were also unable to access their offices due to the blockade, further disrupting academic and administrative activities on campus.
The demonstration is ongoing as of the time of filing this report, with students insisting that the identity and legacy of the institution must be preserved.
