Protesters halt activities at Ibadan Poly over renaming controversy
Academic and various activities at the most important campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, had been introduced to a standstill the day long gone by as college students protested the renaming of the institution to Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The college students blocked the entrance gates of the institution and the busy Sango-Eleyele Boulevard, leaving a total bunch of commuters stranded.
The renaming decision, presented by Makinde for the length of an interdenominational provider in honour of the slow former governor Omololu Olunloyo, was once intended to recognise Olunloyo’s contributions to the education sector in Oyo State and Nigeria. Olunloyo, the most important Ibadan indigene to wait on as governor of the earlier Oyo State, held discipline of job between October and December 1983.
Alternatively, the choice has sparked controversy, with college students insisting it disregards the institution’s identification.
After their converse on Sango-Eleyele Boulevard, the college students marched to the Oyo State Government Secretariat Advanced, where they blocked the entrance gates, disrupting activities all the draw thru the premises. No topic the tense atmosphere, the converse remained largely quiet because the college students demanded to have their voices heard.
Armed with placards bearing messages reminiscent of “Our Name, Our Identification,” “Respect Our Legacy,” “Tell No to OOPI,” and “Revert the Name Now,” the college students expressed their dissatisfaction with the dearth of session ahead of the renaming.
“We're not in opposition to honouring leaders, but not at the expense of our institution’s legacy,” one pupil protester mentioned.
Security personnel had been deployed to site up the region and affect obvious the converse remained non-violent.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Childhood Trend Company, Adebowale Falana, addressed the college students, calling for serene and urging them to determine up in dialogue with the manager.
In his response, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal appealed to the quiet protesting college students to resume their reports.
