The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has officially announced the renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan. This significant decision honors the late Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of old Oyo State and a distinguished figure in education and public service. The announcement was made during an interdenominational commendation service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan on Thursday, June 26. Governor Makinde emphasized that the renaming is a crucial step in preserving Olunloyo's enduring legacy and acknowledging his profound contributions to the state.

Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025, at the age of 89 or 90, just weeks before his 90th birthday, was a revered mathematician, engineer, and renowned technocrat. His distinguished career included a brief tenure as governor of old Oyo State between October and December 1983, which was cut short by a military coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari. Born in 1935, Olunloyo held numerous pivotal roles throughout his lifetime. He served as a commissioner under military governments, including that of Colonel Adeyinka Adebayo in the Western Region and later during the Yakubu Gowon administration. His portfolio included Commissioner for Economic Development and Finance, and subsequently Commissioner for Education in the old Western Region. He also had a distinguished academic background in mathematics and engineering.

A cornerstone of his academic and public service contributions was his foundational role at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Dr. Olunloyo was the pioneer and first Rector of the institution, which was established in 1970. His leadership and academic acumen were instrumental in shaping the polytechnic's early direction and development. He also served as the first Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic. The Polytechnic, Ibadan, remains one of Nigeria’s premier tertiary institutions, celebrated for its focus on technical and vocational education, offering National and Higher National Diploma programmes across diverse fields of study. Governor Makinde had also constituted a new governing council for the institution in May, appointing Professor Lanre Nassar as chairman.

The renaming has been widely acclaimed by alumni and educational stakeholders, who view it as a fitting tribute that indelibly etches Olunloyo’s name into the annals of Oyo State’s history. This act is part of a broader series of initiatives by the Makinde administration to honor distinguished indigenes of the state, including plans to officially commission the Omololu Olunloyo Park, completed during the late statesman’s lifetime. Olunloyo’s commitment to academic excellence and development left an indelible mark, continuing to inspire generations. He is survived by his children, including the prominent social media personality, Kemi Olunloyo.