Ondo Assembly begins process to convert Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to university

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State House of Assembly has commenced moves to convert Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into the Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology.

The proposed conversion is contained in a bill being considered by the lawmakers, with the new institution expected to broaden access to university education and strengthen training and research in agriculture, science and technology.

The assembly’s Committee on Tertiary Institutions held a public hearing on the bill on Tuesday in Akure, where stakeholders from the education sector, traditional institutions, government and the public examined the proposal and offered recommendations.

Representing the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, the Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu, said the proposed university would expand specialised higher education and contribute to human capital development in Ondo State. He urged stakeholders to make constructive submissions to guide the legislative process.

The committee chairman, Chris Ayebusiwa, described the public hearing as an important step towards establishing the university, saying contributions from stakeholders would help the lawmakers develop an effective framework for the institution.

In his remarks, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, backed the proposed conversion, saying the polytechnic had contributed to manpower development but that changing demands in the education sector and declining enrolment made the upgrade necessary.

Ogunoye said traditional and community stakeholders had engaged with relevant parties on the proposal and expressed confidence that the assembly would give the bill the required consideration to establish an institution capable of attracting students and promoting research.

Reacting, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for initiating the proposal, saying the university’s focus on agriculture, science and technology could boost education and economic development in Ondo State and beyond.