By Adeboye Ado
The Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Mr. Olorunwa Adegun, has credited the ongoing transformation in the institution to the significant support and intervention of the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Adegun stated this on Monday during a briefing held to herald the 12th-23rd combined Convocation.
The Rector also noted that the Institution is taking administrative steps required to complement the efforts of the State Government in upgrading RUGIPO to a University.
He said, “During one of the interactive sessions I was privileged to have with Mr Governor, he expressed shock at the report that convocation ceremony had almost gone into extinction in the Institution, noting that the last edition of the ceremony was held in 2013.
“Observing that the situation was unacceptable, Mr. Governor directed that a combined edition of the ceremony be organised.
“Noting the obvious fact that its precarious financial situation would make it practically impossible for the Institution to raise the required fund, Mr. Governor approved the release of fund for the ceremony.
“So, but for the resolve of Mr. Governor in this regard, we would not have been here today to start the week-long programme of the 12th–23rd combined Convocation Ceremony.
“Acting swiftly to enable the Institution to retain its accreditation status, Mr. Governor approved the release of fund for the accreditation of the 68 Academic Programmes which had become due for re-accreditation.
“To the glory of the Almighty God and with sincere gratitude to Mr. Governor, the NBTE had since paid accreditation visit to the institution and the success recorded was 100 percent.
Adegun added, “Acting as directed by Mr. Governor, the Institution’s Business outfit (i.e OSPO VENTURES) has been revitalised and the various units are now functioning effectively. The Water Factory now produces both bottled and sachet water regularly.
“The Bakery is producing RUGIPO Loaf of different sizes. RUGIPO Guest House is also back and functioning.
“The Institution’s Staff Schools were reopened and they commenced academic activities in the current 2025/2026 Academic Session.
“The Artisan Centre is functioning effectively. Technical services being provided at the Centre include the baking of vehicles along with sewing, shoe making, barbing and hairdressing.
“Taking appropriate advantage of the arable land which the Institution has in abundance, arrangements have been concluded to commence massive cultivation of food crops.
“The target here is for the institution to assume the status of the Food Basket of the host community.
“Today, the Institution is back on its feet and academic culture has returned. Its image has become considerably shored up.
“The realities stated below attest to the claim that the Institution’s image has moved away from its old embarrassing position.
“Adoption of the institution as a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle Conversion Centre. Some of the materials needed for the centre to become operational are already in the institution. Very soon, the institution will start the process of converting vehicles from their current petrol engine status to the CNG engine status.”