……To Convocate over 25,000 graduates on Saturday.
The Ondo State owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, (RUGIPO), was lifeless and down, before Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa took over the reign of leadership in the state and rescued the institution from total collapse.
The Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Mr. Olorunwa Adegun, disclosed this on Monday during a Press Conference to herald the school’s 12th-23rd combined Convocation.
He stated that over 25,000 graduates would be convocated during the combined convocation ceremony slated for this week Saturday.
The Acting Rector applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for the ongoing transformation in the institution to the significant support and intervention of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
“Saying that Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo was down in absolute terms when Mr. Governor, His Excellency, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa assumed office first as Acting Governor and later as substantive Governor is certainly an understatement.
“The Institution had actually dived into a near bottomless pit of hopelessness. That was where the Institution was lying almost lifeless when Mr. Governor came on board and when I assumed duty as Acting Rector.
“Aptly describing the lifeless status of the Institution at that time were the among others: following realities
“Workers in the Institution were owed salaries covering a period of 14 months without even the slightest ray of hope regarding how payment would be effected.
“Payment of salary to workers in the Institution became a once-in-a-while activity and the payment was based on varying percentage which in some instances was as low as 5%.
“Obviously arising as unavoidable implication of the situation in items (i & ii) above, the Institution was swimming in a pool of industrial crisis. Expectedly, Academic Calendar became frequently disrupted,” Adegun said.
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 organized.
“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%.
Adegun added, “Acting as directed by Mr. Governor, the Institution’s Business outfit (i.e OSPO VENTURES) has been revitalized 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,” he said.
