‘Old students crucial to institutions’ devt’
By Chris Chimezie & Agboola Fesobi
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Old Students have been described as a veritable force in the socio-economic development and transformation of Nigeria’s educational institutions .
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu stated this during the launch of an endowment fund for the construction of a N250million 150 bed-space Modern Hospital facility by Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Alumni Association held at the institution’s premises.
He said the Polytechnic, being the first state institution in the Old Ondo State, has produced graduates who are not only in the commanding heights of national life in Nigeria, but constitute a miniature Nigeria.
The Governor who noted that Alumni Association is a major stakeholder in the development of any institution, appreciated the body for their compassionate love for the old institution through the project.
He recalled that at the outset of the present administration and in tandem with its strategic blueprint for the education sector, an education summit was convoked to deliberate on the way forward.
Akeredolu however, used the occasion to call on well-meaning citizens of the state and corporate organizations to support the state government through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) in lifting education to greater heights in the state.
The Governor explained that one of the aims of the present administration has always been to prepare students of tertiary institutions that would meet the manpower needs of the society and to contribute positively to the overall development of a nation.
He lamented the worrisome condition of all the state-owned tertiary institutions when he assumed office where workers were owed salaries and subventions not released as and when due.
Earlier, National President of RUGIPO Alumni Association, Elder Tope Omolayo expressed his delight, that most senior members who have distinguished themselves in their various callings fully support the drive to retool, reposition and reconstruct the institution towards making it a toast among its peers.
He explained that the hospital facility would not only cater for the medical needs of both staff and students of the institution, but one that can internally generate funds for the school.
The Acting Rector, RUGIPO, Gani Ogundahunsi thanked members of the association for deeming it fit to give back to their Alma Mater and urged others to emulate the noble gesture.
Similarly, Chairman of the occasion and an alumnus of the institution, Engr Dayo Akindoju commended Governor Akeredolu for the visible transformations that have taken place in the school.
Highlights of the ceremony was the foundation laying ceremony for the construction of the N250 million 150 Bed Space Hospital facilities within the institution’s premises by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
