Aiyedatiwa Approves Upgrade of Ondo Polytechnic to University of Agriculture

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has given approval for the transformation of the state-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the governor’s chief press secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, it was stated that the decision followed a review of the initial proposal by the previous administration, which had planned to upgrade the polytechnic to a University of Management Science and Technology.

Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the newly upgraded institution would serve as a model for the state government’s initiative on agriculture and food security revolution.

He further announced that a committee would be established to determine the implementation process for the upgrade while assuring that the transition would not negatively affect the current students and staff of the institution.

Additionally, the governor approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and a private investor for the investment of N15 billion into a youth-focused agriculture initiative in the state.

The MoU formalized an agreement for the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme, a partnership between the government and AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited.

As part of the agreement, the company will utilize 5 hectares of land in each of the three clusters within the state, with three higher institutions, including the newly upgraded RUGIPO, serving as pilot beneficiaries.

The program will focus on practical farming for young people as well as hands-on training for students in agriculture and related disciplines.

Beyond providing training opportunities, each of the three participating institutions will also receive a percentage of the proceeds generated from the program’s operations.

In another development, Governor Aiyedatiwa has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with BBA Consult to design and implement a secured ICT system aimed at improving the state’s resource planning and management to boost revenue generation.

This agreement, which seeks to reform Ondo State’s internally generated revenue system, will be executed on a Build, Operate, and Transfer basis.