Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the upgrade and conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, RUGIPO, into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.
This decision follows a review of the initial proposal by the previous administration, which had considered upgrading the polytechnic into a University of Management Science and Technology..
However, Governor Aiyedatiwa, upon assuming office, announced the institution’s conversion into a specialized agricultural university to serve as a model for the state’s food security and agricultural revolution initiative.
To ensure a smooth transition, the governor stated that a committee would be established to oversee the implementation process.
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He also assured students and staff that the conversion would not negatively impact their academic or professional futures.
In a major boost to agriculture in the state, Governor Aiyedatiwa has also approved a N15 billion investment in a youth-driven agricultural programme.
The state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited for the establishment and operation of the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme.
Under this initiative, 5 hectares of land will be allocated within three designated agricultural clusters, with three higher institutions, including the newly upgraded RUGIPO, serving as pilot host beneficiaries.
The programme will provide young people and students with hands-on training in modern farming and agribusiness operations.
In addition to student training, the participating institutions will receive a percentage of the revenue generated from the agricultural activities conducted on their campuses.
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In a related development, Governor Aiyedatiwa also approved an MoU with BBA Consult for the development and deployment of a secured ICT system aimed at enhancing state resource planning and revenue generation.
The agreement, structured under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, is designed to reform the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) system through improved efficiency and digital transformation.
