By Banji Ayoola
Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, RUGIPO, is repositioning itself for future expansion, and upgrade into a university, in line with the decision of its owner, the Ondo State Government.
According to the institution’s spokesman, Mr Olumide Olugosi, Management has embarked on a raft of new innovative programmes aimed at restoring order, ensuring institutional continuity, and rebuilding confidence among staff, students, and other critical stakeholders.
Among others, he said the institution has established a TETFund Career Service Centre, which is “one of the best in the country, and secured a TETFund Innovation Hub, making it the only Polytechnic in Southwest Nigeria to host such a facility.”
As detailed in a statement titled “RUGIPO: An Era of Stabilisation, Recovery and Forward Momentum”, the institution, has over the years, embarked on stabilisation, and recovery programmes to reposition RUGIPO in all areas of its operations to adequately meet future challenges.
RUGIPO’S Acting Rector, Dr. Olorunwa Simeon Adegun
According to the statement, “Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), has, over the past year, recorded a phase of deliberate stabilisation and gradual institutional recovery, following earlier periods characterised by financial strain, academic disruptions and systemic challenges that are common across public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
“Since the current Management assumed office, emphasis has been placed on restoring order, ensuring institutional continuity and rebuilding confidence among staff, students and other critical stakeholders.
“One of the most notable outcomes of this effort is the restoration and stabilisation of the academic calendar, which had previously experienced protracted disruptions.
“Academic activities have since progressed without interruption, while the institution successfully conducted a convocation ceremony after a long hiatus, marking a significant return to normal academic life.
“Programme accreditation has also been sustained, with all 90 academic programmes currently enjoying full accreditation, underscoring continued compliance with regulatory standards.
“In the area of staff welfare, the present Management has ensured the consistent payment of full monthly salaries since assuming office.
“Prior to October 2023, staff were owed up to 15 months in salary arrears. Within 27 months, staff have received a total of 35 months’ full salary payments, effectively ending the era of percentage salary payments previously experienced.
“While some salary arrears inherited from earlier administrations remain outstanding, specifically three months, these have been formally acknowledged at the level of the Visitor, with public assurances already given towards their resolution.
“Beyond payroll stability, attention has been directed towards improving the institution’s physical and learning environment.
“Through sustained interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), several infrastructural projects are ongoing, including the renovation and construction of office complexes, academic blocks, workshops, student hostels and other essential facilities.
“Campus functionality has been further enhanced through targeted maintenance works, the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) examinations, and the provision of campus-wide internet (Wi-Fi) services.
“Recognising the operational challenges posed by unstable public power supply, Management has expanded the deployment of alternative energy solutions across strategic facilities.
“Solar power installations now serve the central administrative complex (comprising the Rectory, Registry and Bursary) as well as key faculty buildings, the institution’s library complex and the ICT Centre.
“This intervention has significantly improved power reliability, reduced operational downtime and enhanced productivity across critical units.
“In terms of governance and administration, the institution has maintained continuity through strategic appointments, consistent with existing statutory provisions, while strengthening internal coordination among Principal Officers to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
“Innovation and digital transformation have also remained central to institutional renewal efforts.
“All institutional records dating back to 1979 have been fully digitalised to improve efficiency and record management.
“RUGIPO also established a TETFund Career Service Centre, now recognised as one of the best in the country, and secured a TETFund Innovation Hub, making it the only Polytechnic in Southwest Nigeria to host such a facility.
“With regard to staff advancement, this Management has continued to prioritise staff progression and morale.
“The 2022 promotion exercise has been successfully concluded, with associated arrears partly paid, while the 2023 promotion process is currently at an advanced stage.
“Management remains committed to completing outstanding promotion-related obligations in line with extant guidelines and continues to engage relevant authorities toward the timely constitution of a Governing Council to further strengthen institutional governance.
“Management has also placed strong emphasis on recognising service and excellence.
“During the review period, gratuities were paid to over 200 retirees, acknowledging years of dedicated service.
“Staff and students have equally brought honour to the institution through notable achievements at national and international levels, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) awards won by both a lecturer and a student in 2025, as well as a Gold Medal in ICT at an international competition in China.
“Beyond these measurable gains, the stabilisation effort has extended to the restoration of institutional legacies that reinforce staff welfare, continuity and community engagement.
“Established in 1992, the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Staff School served for 27 years as a centre of quality education for the children of staff and members of the host community before its closure in 2019.
“Under the current Management, the school has been successfully reopened, marking a deliberate effort to revive an important institutional heritage. The reopening of the Polytechnic’s Staff Schools affirms, beyond any doubt, that legacies once considered lost are not beyond recovery, but can be restored and revitalised regardless of how much has passed.
“The presence and growing enrolment of Nursery and Primary pupils, as well as Secondary School students, at the revived Staff Schools stand as tangible evidence of this legacy reclaimed and sustained.
“Within the context of stabilisation and reform, the institution is also positioning itself for future expansion in line with the vision of its proprietor.
“The Ondo State Government has announced its intention to upgrade Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a University, a policy direction that carries significant academic, infrastructural, staffing and governance implications. Management views this development as both an opportunity and a responsibility, requiring careful planning, compliance with regulatory requirements and sustained investment to ensure a smooth and credible transition when implemented.
“Despite the gains recorded, Management acknowledges that challenges remain. Funding constraints linked to broader national and state economic realities continue to affect public tertiary institutions.
“Infrastructure gaps also remain, particularly in the areas of student accommodation, and health centre staffing and medical supplies.
“Looking ahead, Management is focused on consolidating recent gains while steadily positioning the institution for further growth.
“Engagement with the Ondo State Government, as the Visitor, remains ongoing in areas of governance, funding support and policy direction, including processes connected with the proposed upgrade of the Polytechnic.
“Collaboration with TETFund and other intervention agencies will continue to drive infrastructure development and staff capacity building.
“At the same time, Management will sustain transparent engagement with staff unions, deepen internal reforms and prioritise initiatives that strengthen academic quality, operational efficiency and student experience.
“Further priorities include the expansion of renewable energy solutions to additional academic and residential areas, deeper digital transformation of administrative and academic processes, and the promotion of industry-relevant, technology-driven programmes aligned with national development needs.
“Management also remains committed to improving student experience and strengthening town-and-gown relationships through skills development and community-oriented initiatives.
“In summary, while Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo continues to navigate sector-wide and systemic challenges, the past year reflects a period of institutional stabilisation, measurable recovery and renewed forward momentum.
“With sustained government support, effective utilisation of intervention funds and collaborative stakeholder engagement, RUGIPO is positioned to consolidate recent gains and advance steadily towards a more resilient, modern and impactful future.”
