Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the transformation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.
This decision revises the previous administration’s plan to upgrade the institution to a University of Management Science and Technology.
However, the newly designated university aims to serve as a model for the state’s agricultural and food security initiatives.
To facilitate this transition, the government will establish a committee to develop implementation strategies, ensuring minimal disruption to current students and staff.
In a related development, Governor Aiyedatiwa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited, securing a N15 billion investment to launch the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme.
This youth-focused initiative will establish agricultural clusters across the state’s three senatorial districts, each encompassing five hectares of land. Three higher education institutions, including the newly upgraded RUGIPO, will host these clusters, providing practical farming experience and training for young people and agriculture students. Additionally, host institutions will receive a share of the program’s operational proceeds.
Furthermore, the governor has approved an agreement with BBA Consult to develop and deploy a secure ICT system aimed at enhancing state resource planning and management, thereby increasing revenue generation. This initiative will operate on a Build, Operate, and Transfer basis.
