The executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Rufus Giwa Polytechnic into a full-fledged university, describing the move as a strategic leap toward positioning the state at the forefront of national development in agriculture, science, and technology.
This was made available to the media on Monday, was signed by the Chief press secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, while receiving the report of the upgrade committee at his office in Akure.
The proposed institution, to be known as the University of Agriculture Science and Technology Owo, is expected to commence operations with multiple faculties spanning critical sectors.
Commending the committee for what he described as a “thorough and visionary” submission, Aiyedatiwa said the report demonstrated a high level of expertise and forward-thinking planning.
“This work reflects a clear vision and meticulous planning,” the governor stated. “The calibre of experts involved and the research conducted leave no doubt that this university can become one of the best in Nigeria.”
According to him, the proposed university aligns with national priorities, particularly in agriculture, rural development, and technological innovation.
“Artificial intelligence and technology will drive higher agricultural yields and sustainable rural livelihoods. Science and technology must underpin everything we do, including food production and wealth creation,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa also stressed the importance of a seamless transition process to protect the academic interests of current polytechnic students.
“We must manage the shift carefully while preparing for a university capable of competing nationally,” he said, urging stakeholders to expedite implementation.
Earlier, the Chairman of the committee and Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Igbekele Ajibefun, highlighted the strategic significance of the upgrade in addressing the educational aspirations of the state’s growing youth population.
He described the proposed UNASTO as a specialised institution designed to blend technical competence with strong academic foundations.
“The objective is aptly reflected in the proposed name… underscoring our commitment to innovation, applied knowledge, and technological advancement,” Ajibefun noted.
He revealed that the university is expected to take off with faculties including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Allied Health Sciences, Basic and Applied Sciences, Communication and Media Sciences, Computing and Digital Technology, Engineering Technology, Environmental Sciences, and Social and Management Sciences.
Ajibefun further disclosed that the committee undertook extensive benchmarking with institutions within Nigeria and abroad, while also developing a comprehensive campus master plan in line with guidelines of the National Universities Commission.
The plan, he said, covers land use, infrastructure development, and sustainability frameworks, supported by a five-year financial strategy to ensure stable operations through a mix of government funding and internally generated revenue.
He added that a draft enabling law for the institution has already been prepared and is undergoing minor revisions ahead of formal recognition.
Top government officials present at the event included Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Segun Omojuwa, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Akindele Ige.
The proposed elevation of the Polytechnic into a university, marks a significant step in Ondo State’s effort to expand access to higher education while strengthening its capacity for innovation-driven development.
