Ondo Gets Third University As State Polytechnic Upgraded

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State government has resolved to upgrade its only polytechnic to a university status.

The institution, named after the late business mogul, Rufus Giwa is located in Owo.

Already the State Government has set up a seven-member committee to facilitate the upgrade of the Polytechnic, to University of Management Sciences and Technology.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu disclosed in Akure that the state executive council took the decision to convert Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo to a University in line with the Federal Government’s directive that all Polytechnic should either be converted into a University or be affiliated to an existing University.

According to Pastor Agagu, the seven-member committee is chaired by Professor Micheal Favorite, while Mr. Gani Ogundahunsi will serve as the Secretary.

Other members of the committee include: Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim; Pastor Olufemi Agagu; Dr. Olawunmi Ilawole; and Prof Christy Ijagbemi.

With the upgrade, the institution will be the third university owned by Ondo state government. The other two are Adekunle Ajasin University, (AAU) Akungba,  Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology,  Okitipupa.

In another development, the state executive council at its last meeting approved monarchs for five communities.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Akinwumi Sowore disclosed that the council approved warrant chiefs for Igbesi Oloto in Okitipupa local government and Ojuala in Ese Odo local government areas.

The council also approved the appointment of new Alaaye of Aye.

“The council approved the stool of Akunu in Akoko, the Chieftaincy title is Oluwade. All these approvals were given by the council transmission to the ministry for appointments of both the Obas and warrant chiefs.

“It is a landmark achievement for us at the ministry after proper endorsement and clearance from the ministry of Justice.

“The Government is committed to further approval of the chieftaincy in the state as we have massive installation already going on.”