NEWS UPDATE: AIYEDATIWA MOVES TO UPGRADE RUGIPO TO UNIVERSITY, RECEIVES IMPLEMENTATION REPORT

AIYEDATIWA MOVES TO UPGRADE RUGIPO TO UNIVERSITY, RECEIVES IMPLEMENTATION REPORT


The Ondo State Government has taken a major step toward upgrading Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), into a full-fledged university, as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa received the official report of the implementation committee on the proposed transition.

The proposed institution, to be known as the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo (UNASTO), is designed to strengthen the state’s capacity in agriculture, science, and technological innovation.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, while receiving the report at the Government House in Akure on Monday, described the planned upgrade as a strategic initiative aimed at positioning Ondo State at the forefront of national development.

He commended the committee for what he termed a comprehensive and well-researched submission, which includes a campus master plan, academic brief, five-year financial and sustainability framework, as well as a proposed take-off structure.

According to the governor, the project aligns with broader national priorities in agriculture, rural development, electrification, and water resource management.

He emphasized the growing role of technology in modern development, noting that advancements such as artificial intelligence would play a critical role in improving agricultural productivity and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also stressed the importance of a carefully managed transition process to ensure that current students of the polytechnic are not adversely affected during the upgrade.

He called for prompt implementation of the committee’s recommendations to enable the institution to meet national standards and compete effectively within Nigeria’s higher education sector.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the proposed upgrade reflects the government’s response to increasing demand for university education among young people.

He explained that UNASTO is envisioned as a specialized institution focused on practical knowledge, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Prof. Ajibefun disclosed that the committee reviewed existing institutional documents and benchmarked the proposal against both local and international universities to ensure alignment with global best practices.

He outlined that the proposed university would commence with key faculties, including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Allied Health Sciences, Basic and Applied Sciences, Computing and Digital Technology, Engineering Technology, Environmental Sciences, Communication and Media Sciences, as well as Social and Management Sciences.

The committee also developed a detailed physical master plan in line with National Universities Commission (NUC) requirements, covering academic, residential, commercial, and recreational facilities.

In addition, a five-year strategic development framework was prepared to ensure financial sustainability through a mix of government funding, internally generated revenue, and a balanced tuition structure.

Prof. Ajibefun further revealed that a draft enabling law for the establishment of the university has been prepared and is currently undergoing minor revisions required for formal regulatory approval.

Top government officials present at the event included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr Akindele Ige.

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