By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the upgrade and conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.
The decision follows a review of an earlier proposal under the previous administration, which had sought to transform the institution into a university of management science and technology.
Announcing the conversion upon assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the new university would serve as a model for the state’s agricultural and food security revolution initiative.
He assured that the transition would not negatively affect the current students and staff of the institution, adding that a committee would be set up to work out the modalities for the implementation of the upgrade.
In a move to boost agricultural development and youth empowerment, the governor also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and a private investor for the injection of ₦15 billion into an agricultural initiative targeted at young people in the state.
According to a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the MoU was signed between the government and AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited for the establishment of the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme, which will focus on practical farming and hands-on training for students in agriculture and agribusiness operations.
The programme will utilise five hectares of land in each of the three clusters across the state, with three higher institutions, including the newly upgraded university, serving as pilot beneficiaries.
In addition to training students, the participating institutions will also receive a percentage of the proceeds generated from the initiative.
As part of efforts to strengthen the state’s economy, Governor Aiyedatiwa has further approved another Memorandum of Understanding with BBA Consult for the development and deployment of a secured ICT system aimed at enhancing state resource planning and revenue generation.
The agreement, which will be executed under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, is designed to reform the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) profile through innovative digital solutions.
