Aiyedatiwa upgrades Rufus Giwa Poly to specialised varsity

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Ondo State, to a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.

According to Aiyedatiwa, the conversion of the polytechnic to a specialised university will serve as a model for the agricultural and food security revolution initiative of the state government.

The move by the state government was taken following a review of the initial proposal for the upgrade of the polytechnic to a university of management science and technology by the state government under the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration.

While disclosing that a committee will be set up by the government to work out the modalities for the implementation of the conversion, the governor assured that the upgrade will not have negative effects on the current students and staff of the institution.

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

Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the MoU was an agreement for the establishment and operation of the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme between the government and AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited.

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He said: “that the company will make use of five hectares of land in each of the three clusters in the state, using three higher institutions, including the newly upgraded RUGIPO, as host pilot beneficiaries.

“The initiative will focus on practical farming for young people and practical training for students in agriculture and agriculture-related operations.

“Aside from training the students, each of the three institutions to be used as hosts also stands to benefit a percentage from the proceeds of the operations.”

Aiyedatiwa also approved an agreement with BBA Consult on the development and deployment of a secured ICT to enhance state resources planning and management systems towards an increase in revenue generation.

“This agreement, which aims to reform the internally generated revenue profile of the state, will be on a build, operate and transfer basis.”