Governor Makinde Inaugurates Governing Councils for Oyo’s Tertiary Institutions

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially inaugurated the governing councils for five state-owned tertiary institutions, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to uphold academic excellence and structural integrity across the state’s higher education landscape.

The inauguration ceremony took place in Ibadan on Friday, attended by prominent figures including Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chief Judge Justice K.A. Adedokun, former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, and other senior political and traditional stakeholders.

The newly reconstituted councils will oversee the following institutions:

• The Polytechnic, Ibadan

• Michael Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki (formerly Oke Ogun Polytechnic)

• Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora

• Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate

• Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Ibadan

Council Chairmen were also named, including:

• Prof. Lanre Nassar – The Polytechnic, Ibadan

• Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan – College of Health Science and Technology

• Comrade Olusegun Oyewumi – College of Education, Lanlate

• Dr. Amusan Damilare Gideon – College of Agriculture, Igboora

• Dr. Bisi Ojebola – Michael Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki

Governor Makinde used the occasion to officially rename Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, to Michael Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki, honoring the elder statesman and former minister. The move reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to recognize regional contributions and elevate institutional prestige.

Addressing the controversy around the proposed renaming of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Makinde emphasized the need for broad-based stakeholder engagement.

“We are ready to engage with the people if you have any superior arguments beyond sentiment. If your case is about infrastructure or graduate quality, and how we can invest more to improve it, we are open to that,” he stated.

Makinde reiterated his government’s commitment to:

• Supporting institutional development

• Improving graduate quality

• Ensuring governance transparency

He described the new councils as key partners in maintaining educational standards and guiding each institution toward a more sustainable and progressive path.