Gov Aiyedatiwa upgrades RUGIPO to University of Agriculture
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the upgrade and conversion of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.
The decision follows a review of an earlier proposal under the previous administration, which had sought to transform the institution into a university of management science and technology.
Announcing the conversion upon assuming office, Aiyedatiwa stated that the new university would serve as a model for the state’s agricultural and food security revolution initiative.
He assured that the transition would not negatively affect the current students and staff of the institution.
According to him, a committee would be set up to work out the modalities for the implementation of the upgrade of the Polytechnic to the University of Agriculture.
Also, the Governor approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and a private investor on the injection of N15billion into a youth-oriented agriculture initiative in the State.
The MoU was on an agreement for the establishment and operation of the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme between the government and AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited.
The company will make use of 5 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 agric related operations.
Aside training of the students, each of the three institutions to be used as hosts also stands to benefit a percentage from the proceeds of the operations.
In a related development, Governor Aiyedatiwa has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with BBA Consult on the development and deployment of a secured ICT to enhance state resources planning and management system towards 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 Teansfer basis.
