“We Hear You, Makinde Will Respond” — Deputy Governor to Ibadan Poly Students

Following the protest against the renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, has addressed aggrieved students, assuring them that their concerns will be relayed to Governor Seyi Makinde.

The peaceful protest, led by students of the institution under the umbrella of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), was in reaction to the recent announcement by the state government renaming the school to Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan. The move has drawn widespread criticism from alumni and current students alike.

In a bid to calm the situation, Barr. Lawal met with the protesting students and praised their conduct during the demonstration.

“Your protest is appreciated. You have conducted yourselves in a peaceful manner. I have listened to your President and we have heard what you are demanding for. As you know, the Governor is not around, but your agitation will be taken to the Governor,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, revealed that the protest caught the management by surprise, especially considering earlier efforts to mediate the tension through dialogue.

“The Chief Security Officer of the school called me around 2 a.m., so I called the Dean of Students. We were not informed; nobody told us even though we had been trying to resolve this,” Dr. Lasisi said.

“I took the students to the Council Chairman about four or five days ago, and we appealed to them that the issue will be resolved. But this morning I was surprised that despite the effort being made by the Management, the Council Chairman, and the Commissioner for Education, they still went ahead with the protest.

But I want to tell you everything is under control. The Management is on ground to see that there are no casualties,” he added.

SUG President Comrade Oladipupo Olamide Daniel also addressed the media, expressing optimism that the protest had achieved initial success.

“We have achieved something by protesting and getting a response, and we will wait till we hear from the Governor,” he said.

The protest has so far remained peaceful, with no reported incidents of violence or destruction. It follows a strongly worded letter by the Alumni Association to Governor Makinde, appealing for a reversal of the name change. The students and alumni have both argued that the original name is a legacy that holds emotional and global significance.