Honor Without Erasure, The Polytechnic, Ibadan – More Than A Name by Victor Bolajoko

Examining the consequences of renaming The Polytechnic, Ibadan to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic by Governor Seyi Makinde is important not because it undermines Chief Omololu Olunloyo’s contribution, but rather how it impacts the identity and legacy and potential future ramifications of the institution.

The Polytechnic, Ibadan has existed since 1970 and possesses a legacy of more than fifty years. Its name serves as more than an identifier; for professional bodies, employers, academic institutions, and graduates both nationally and globally, it represents recognition.

Many associate this institution with Nigeria’s innovative tradition in technical skill development. For Ibadan's residents, it's a cultural touchstone emblematic of the city's pride in its educational history and innovation.

A change in name could risk disrupting this continuity, damaging brand reputation alongside institutional identity that has been built over countless years.

It is also worth mentioning that The Polytechnic, Ibadan is a name which thousands upon thousands of alumni strongly identify with.

Concerns could arise regarding recognition and verification of credentials and how costly certificates are perceived to impact the prestige. This could also lead to weakening alumni support and involvement, which is often viewed through sentimental and historical lenses.

While there are many reasons as to why institutions have honoree namesakes, they need careful consideration stemming far beyond impulse politics. This includes profound contemplation revolving around institutional governance, constituency wide dialog, alumnus feedback, community critique, evaluation of potential effects lasting far longer than anticipated reactions due to emotionalism.

Dominant rationale set forth stands to protect educational institutions from being tools for unfettered political praise when individual thinkers has reached their limits.

Chief Omololu Olunloyo might be the most famous son Oyo State boasts. He is an ex-governor who has unmatched status as a scholar and statesman in Nigeria. It is possible supporting his legacy without changing the name of long-standing institution by other equally meaningful methods such as bestowing faculty or library nomenclature on them or bestowing him posthumous innovation awards for life-affirming inventions or scholarships dedicated towards public advanced studied mathematics alongside assertive leadership programs deserving his scholarly accolades. This approach assures that his legacy will be preserved in a significant scholarly manner, and simultaneously polytechnic's historical name will be kept intact.

It strategically saves tertiary institutions from constant political renaming, especially when such attempts appear to lean towards one political figure or governing body over another. A name such as The Polytechnic, Ibadan is neutral and tests through time, which helps sustain apolitical trust in the institution’s management but also prevents the polarization of public opinion based on partisan affiliations. It promotes enduring policy direction within the education system.

While bestowing the honors to Chief Omololu Olunloyo is praiseworthy; changing names from The Polytechnic, Ibadan could damage deeper ties the institution’s heritage, alumni community, and its brand image. It is important that such decisions require critical anticipating consequences rooted in respect for history and involve participation of relevant parties.

There are multiple ways to honor Chief Olunloyo that are dignified yet do not tarnish the unapologetic identity of a great institution; The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Victor Bolajoko is a progressive financial analyst who has a staunch interest in public policy, governance, and economics. He challenges outmoded narratives and promotes progressive governance both inside and outside of Nigeria by advocating for policy responsibility, transparency, and sustainable growth.