A Heritage Under Threat: Why OSPOLY Must Rethink the Demolition of the Students’ Union Building ( Part 1)


 By Folaranmi Ajayi (Enigma)

"Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph." — 2 Samuel 1:20 (KJV)

This verse, part of David’s lament over the death of Saul and Jonathan, expresses profound sorrow and a desire to prevent their enemies from celebrating their downfall. Similarly, the proposed demolition of the Students’ Union Building at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree (OSPOLY), represents a significant loss, not just of a structure but of history, identity, and student representation.

At the heart of OSPOLY stands a building that is much more than bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of student activism, leadership, and unity—a space where generations of students have gathered to voice their concerns, shape their future, and uphold the ideals of collective progress. However, this historic edifice, the Students’ Union Building, now faces an uncertain fate as the school management proposes to demolish it in favour of a new auditorium.

Indeed, while development and expansion are necessary for academic institutions, it is equally important to recognise that progress should not come at the cost of erasing student history. The unilateral decision to demolish the Students’ Union Building without meaningful consultation with students is not only unjust but also sets a worrying precedent for how student interests are valued within the institution.

To understand the significance of this building, one must consider its roots. The Students’ Union Building was established decades ago, with its foundation laid in the aspirations of OSPOLY’s pioneer students who fought for representation. The land on which it stands was officially allocated to the student body under the tenure of the institution’s first Rector, Dr J.S. Opakunle, ensuring that students had a designated space for leadership activities. Furthermore, the building was named after Amusan Morenikeji Johnson (Action J), a testament to the enduring legacy of student leaders who worked tirelessly to strengthen student governance.

As a result, this building has become a hub of student advocacy, witnessing spirited debates, the passing of resolutions, and the birth of transformative ideas that have shaped the student experience at OSPOLY. It is not merely a physical structure; rather, it embodies the institution’s commitment to democratic engagement and student representation.

More concerning, however, is the manner in which the school management has approached this matter. Rather than engaging students in a transparent dialogue, the decision has been imposed without broad-based consultation. If the institution truly values inclusivity and representation, it must ensure that students have a say in decisions that directly impact them.

During the COVID-19 years, the Students’ Union Building served as a significant meeting point where some of OSPOLY’s finest minds convened to discuss national politics and engage intellectually with pressing issues in Nigeria. On that day, campus leaders from various departments and faculties gathered to share ideas and reflect on the future of the nation. This moment remains an unforgettable testament to the building’s role in fostering critical discourse and leadership.

See proof: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BGsrPjmUA/ https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15dXwJuzZ9/

Given this rich history, why should student heritage be sacrificed for the sake of an auditorium? While the need for infrastructural expansion is understandable, it is equally essential to recognise that the preservation of historical landmarks is an integral part of institutional development.

Significantly, if relocation is inevitable, then a new, fully furnished, and modern Students’ Union Building must be constructed before any demolition takes place. As Kenraj, the SU President of the 2019/20 session, aptly stated:

"Relocation should not mean regression. The Students’ Union Building must not be downgraded but upgraded. The students deserve better."

The proposal to move the union to the dilapidated Red Block is not only unfair but also reflects a disregard for the dignity and importance of student leadership. Relocating the union to a structurally unfit space undermines the role and relevance of student governance within the institution.

Institutions of learning must treat student heritage with the same reverence they accord administrative structures. Just as vice chancellors, rectors, and senior faculty members ensure the preservation of their offices, student spaces must also be safeguarded. As the renowned philosopher John Ruskin once said:

"Heritage is not a luxury; it is a necessity."

Ultimately, the proposed demolition of the Students’ Union Building is not just about infrastructure—it is about respect, identity, and the value placed on student voices. If OSPOLY’s leadership is truly committed to the principles of democracy and representation, then this decision must be re-evaluated.

To proceed with demolition without first engaging students and providing an alternative that respects their historical stake would not merely be an administrative oversight; it would be a betrayal of the institution’s legacy. OSPOLY stands at a crossroads: it can choose to honour student history and inclusivity, or it can proceed with an action that will be remembered as an act of erasure.

"A society that forgets its past is condemned to repeat it." — George Santayana

Therefore, this call is not just to OSPOLY’s leadership but to all stakeholders—students, alumni, faculty, and the wider academic community. 

"Instead of renovating and enhancing the existing building, the plan is to demolish it entirely and construct a different structure elsewhere, relocating it to a less appealing site".

The history of student activism, representation, and engagement must not be erased in the name of infrastructural expansion. There must be a way to develop without destroying, to innovate without invalidating, and to progress without plundering the past.

Banish the idea! 

Folaranmi Ajayi (Enigma) writes from West Africa, Fellow, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism. (Editor-in-Chief, OSPOLY NAMACOS Editorial Board, 2019 Set).

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