In a landmark move set to redefine the educational and agricultural landscape of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved the upgrade and conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.
This decision follows a critical review of a prior proposal by the previous administration, which had intended to convert the institution into a university of management science and technology.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, in reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic transformation, declared that the new university will serve as a “model for the agric and food security revolution initiative of the state government.”
He assured that a special committee will be constituted to oversee the conversion process, ensuring that the transition does not disrupt the academic progression of current students or the employment status of staff.
Further underscoring his vision for economic sustainability, Governor Aiyedatiwa sanctioned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private investor for a N15 billion investment in a youth-centered agricultural project.
The Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme, a collaboration between the Ondo State Government and AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited, will deploy five hectares of land in three designated clusters across the state.
The initiative, which strategically integrates three higher institutions—including the newly upgraded RUGIPO—will offer hands-on farming experiences for young people while providing practical training in agriculture and agribusiness operations. Importantly, these host institutions will also earn a share of the proceeds from agricultural activities, ensuring a sustainable revenue stream for their development.
In a separate but equally strategic move, Governor Aiyedatiwa signed another MoU with BBA Consult for the development and deployment of a secured ICT-based revenue generation system. The agreement, structured on a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) basis, is designed to optimize Ondo State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) framework through a modernized resource planning and management system.
With these progressive policies, Governor Aiyedatiwa is setting the stage for a new era of economic prosperity, agricultural innovation, and educational excellence in Ondo State.
