By Adeboye Ado
The Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Mr. Olorunwa Simon Adegun, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to excellence and development.
He made this known during separate courtesy visits to the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun and the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Olaoluwa Herbert Akindolire.
Speaking during the visit to the Ministry of Education, Mr. Adegun outlined notable achievements recorded by the polytechnic in the past 20 months.
“These include the successful accreditation of over 68 academic programmes, prompt payment of salaries, infrastructural upgrades, international recognitions, and human capital development.”
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol, Adegun expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his continued support, which, according to him, has enabled the institution to thrive.
The Rector also used the opportunity to inform the Commissioner of plans to hold a combined convocation ceremony.
While congratulating Prof. Ajibefun on his appointment, Mr. Adegun described it as well-deserved and praised the Commissioner’s legacy during his time as RUGIPO Rector between 2010 and 2015. He assured him of the institution’s full support.
In his remarks, Prof. Ajibefun restated the government’s commitment to strengthening education across the state.
He urged the polytechnic management to prioritise peace on campus, maintain a stable academic calendar, and decisively address cult-related issues.
“The Polytechnic must remain peaceful. Peace is crucial for stability and development,” he said.
He charged the polytechnic management to “take a strong stance against cultism to prevent crises that could destabilise the institution” and to also “let students know that there are serious consequences for engaging in cult activities.”
He also threw his weight behind the governor’s plan to upgrade the polytechnic to university status, noting that the move would open up fresh opportunities for both the school and the state.
In a related development, the Acting Rector visited the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Olaoluwa Akindolire, where he commended the Commissioner’s long-standing support and congratulated him on his appointment.
Akindolire acknowledged the challenges the institution faces, particularly with its large workforce, and assured that the ministry would consider the implementation of the new national minimum wage for the polytechnic.
The Rector was accompanied on the visits by key members of the management team: Acting Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Mike Oloye; Acting Bursar, Mr. Odunayo Oyewusi; Coordinator of Library Services, Mr. Samuel Kolawole Ayodele; Chairman of the Committee of Deans, Mr. Segun Vincent Omosuli; and Administrative Assistant to the Rector, Mr. Gbenga Ademiluyi.