By Ghazali Ibrahim
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially renamed The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as Victor Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, honouring the late Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, ex-governor of Oyo State.
The announcement was made on Thursday during an interdenominational commendation service held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, following the passing of Dr. Olunloyo earlier this year.
In brief remarks, Governor Makinde stated: “The institution will now be known as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”
Dr. Olunloyo, a renowned mathematician, statesman, and the first rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan also served as governor of old Oyo State from October to December 1983.
He died on April 6, 2025, a few days shy of his 90th birthday.
This renaming marks the latest in a wave of commemorations for Dr. Olunloyo.
As pioneer rector, he shaped the institution’s formative educational philosophies, a legacy widely celebrated by educational stakeholders.
Alumni groups and community leaders at the service described the renaming as “a fitting tribute that cements Olunloyo’s enduring legacy in Oyo State’s academic and public service history”.
Governor Makinde is no stranger to educational renaming initiatives: in 2023, he renamed the First Technical University, Ibadan, to Abiola Ajimobi Technical University; Omololu Olunloyo’s new namesake further cements the governor’s legacy-building through academic honour.
