Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced the renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of the late former governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo. The governor made this declaration during an interdenominational commendation service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, as part of activities to celebrate the life and legacy of the late elder statesman.
Makinde stated that the institution will now be officially known as **Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan**. He described the gesture as a well-deserved tribute to Dr. Olunloyo, who was the pioneer Rector of the polytechnic and made indelible contributions to education and public service in the state.
“Dr. Olunloyo served as the first Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and was instrumental in laying the solid foundation upon which the institution stands today,” the governor said. “He was an academic giant, a seasoned technocrat, and a visionary whose legacy continues to inspire.”
Makinde emphasized that renaming the institution in Olunloyo’s honour was not just symbolic, but a recognition of his unwavering commitment to educational development and governance. “His contributions left a lasting mark not just on The Polytechnic, Ibadan, but on the state as a whole,” he added.
The Polytechnic Ibadan was originally established in 1970 and has grown to become one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions of higher learning.
Who Was Victor Omololu Olunloyo?
Dr. Olunloyo, a distinguished mathematician and technocrat, died on Sunday at the age of 89, just days before his 90th birthday, which would have fallen on April 14, 2025.
A prodigy in public service, he was appointed a commissioner in the old Western Region at just 27 years old. He later served briefly as Governor of Oyo State from October 1 to December 31, 1983, before the military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari brought the Second Republic to an end.
Olunloyo’s legacy as an academic and public servant continues to resonate, with the renaming of the polytechnic standing as a testament to his lasting impact on Oyo State and Nigerian society.
