Ondo State Governor Approves Upgrade of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to University of Agriculture and Agribusiness

In a significant move to enhance agricultural education and economic development, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness. This decision follows a review of the initial plan by the previous administration to upgrade the institution to a University of Management Science and Technology.

According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the newly upgraded institution will serve as a model for the state's agriculture and food security revolution initiative. Governor Aiyedatiwa has assured students and staff that the transition will not negatively affect them. To facilitate the smooth implementation of the conversion, the government will establish a committee to work out the necessary modalities.

The decision is expected to significantly boost the state's agricultural sector by providing students and young people with practical farming experience and enhancing food production. In a related development, the governor has also approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and a private investor for a N15 billion youth-focused agriculture initiative.

The MoU aims to establish and operate the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme, which will be hosted by three institutions, including the newly upgraded Rufus Giwa University. These institutions will not only provide training for students but also benefit financially from agricultural operations.

Furthermore, Governor Aiyedatiwa has sanctioned another MoU with BBA Consult for the development of a secure ICT system designed to enhance state resource planning and revenue generation. This project will be executed on a build, operate, and transfer basis, aligning with the administration’s strategy to reform the state's internally generated revenue profile.

These initiatives are anticipated to have a far-reaching impact on the state's economy, fostering growth and creating new opportunities for development in the education and agricultural sectors.