Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa explained that the decision followed a review of the initial proposal by the former administration to upgrade the polytechnic to a University of management science and technology.
According to the governor, the university will serve as a model for the state government’s agricultural and food security revolution initiative.
He added that the government would set up a committee to outline the modalities for implementing the conversion.
“This is to ensure that the transition does not negatively affect the current students and staff of the institution,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and a private investor to inject N15 billion into a youth-focused agriculture initiative.
Aiyedatiwa further noted that the company would utilize five hectares of land in each of the three clusters in the state, with three higher institutions—including the newly upgraded RUGIPO—serving as pilot host beneficiaries.
“The initiative will focus on practical farming for young people and practical training for students in agriculture and agriculture-related operations.
“Aside from training the students, each of the three institutions to be used as hosts also stands to benefit a percentage from the proceeds of the operations,” he added.
In addition, Aiyedatiwa approved an agreement with BBA Consult for the development and deployment of a secured ICT system aimed at enhancing state resource planning and management, ultimately boosting revenue generation.
Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) is a well-established tertiary institution in Ondo State, Nigeria. Founded in 1979 as The Polytechnic, Owo, it was later renamed in 2003 in honor of Chief Rufus Foluso Giwa, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist.
The decision to upgrade RUGIPO into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness is aimed at repositioning the institution for greater impact, particularly in agricultural development, food security, and agribusiness innovation.