This is the fifth of a six-part article series to celebrate the legacy of Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo (1935–2025)
Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo’s impact on the Nigerian education sector provides insight into his visionary leadership and unalloyed commitment to national development.
In the 1970s, Dr. Olunloyo assumed the role of the first Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan. His tenure was a period of remarkable transformation that would leave an indelible mark on the institution.
One of his most notable achievements was the building of a road connecting the South Campus to the North Campus. What made this feat extraordinary was its completion in just one day—an incredible example of Dr. Olunloyo’s sense of urgency and commitment to high standards of excellence.
His leadership extended beyond infrastructural development to introducing vital systems that revolutionized urban life. Dr. Olunloyo was the pioneer behind the introduction of traffic wardens (commonly known as “yellow fever”) to Nigeria.
In just one day, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo built a road connecting two campuses at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Leadership that moves fast and delivers results. Share on XHis foresight in addressing the growing need for traffic regulation in Ibadan helped lay the foundation for improved road safety across Nigeria’s bustling cities. He also initiated the idea of monthly environmental sanitation exercises in Ibadan, which soon became a model for other cities in Nigeria.
Dr. Olunloyo’s legacy extends beyond education into the realm of engineering, where he made very important contributions. A memorable episode in his career occurred in 2008 when he led a team of engineers to meet with the African Development Bank (ADB) in Tunisia.
The meeting was critical because ADB had claimed that the Oyo State government owed the organization N100 million. However, after an exhaustive deliberation with the ADB team, it was discovered that Oyo State did not owe ADB N100 million. Dr. Olunloyo’s meticulous approach in addressing the issue saved Oyo State from an unnecessary financial burden.
The journey to Tunisia was not without its challenges. Due to political unrest in Cote d’Ivoire, the team had to take an alternative route via Libya. Unfortunately, while en route, Dr. Olunloyo and his team were detained by the Libyan government and held for 17 hours. Despite this setback, Dr. Olunloyo’s resilience and leadership ensured the team’s safe release and their eventual arrival in Tunisia, where the matter was resolved.
From education to engineering and urban development, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo’s contributions enhanced the quality of life across various sectors. Share on XThis episode exemplified his ability to remain calm under pressure and his commitment to finding solutions even in the face of adversity. His leadership in engineering was not just about managing projects but about solving real-world challenges with creativity, discipline, and technical expertise.
It is clear that his legacy will not be forgotten. His drive to improve educational standards, solve complex problems, and push the boundaries of what was possible will continue to inspire future generations of visionary leaders.