Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, RUGIPO, Engr. (Dr.) Lawson Olorunwa Sunday,
The Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, RUGIPO, Engr. (Dr.) Lawson Olorunwa Sunday, has formally assumed duty at the institution.
He assumed duty on Monday, 27th April, 2026 and was given a warm and enthusiastic welcome from members of staff at the Polytechnic Main Gate.
The institution’s spokesman, Mr Olumide Olugosi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
According to the statement:
“The atmosphere was marked by excitement and renewed hope, as staff gathered to receive the new Acting Rector and express their expectations for a new phase in the administration of the institution.
“Addressing the workers, Engr. Olorunwa Sunday expressed appreciation for the goodwill extended to him and assured that all issues affecting the Polytechnic would be given due attention through appropriate channels.
“He also assured staff that matters relating to promotion would be addressed with the urgency they deserve, in line with established procedures.
Olugosi said::
“In a subsequent meeting with key stakeholders, the Acting Rector appealed to all members of staff to comply with the directive of the Ondo State Government on the resumption of academic and administrative activities.
“He noted that the prolonged disruption had negatively impacted academic programmes, administrative operations, and, most importantly, students, whose academic progress must be prioritised.
“Engr. Olorunwa Sunday further stated that the State Government has demonstrated commitment to staff welfare, particularly through the payment of outstanding salary arrears and the constitution of a committee to address the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“Some stakeholders, in their contributions, emphasised the need to address concerns relating to the suspension of union activities as part of efforts to achieve lasting stability within the institution.
“Responding, the Acting Rector appealed for understanding and cooperation, urging staff to resume duties while engagements continue, and assuring that steps would be taken to address the concerns raised within the shortest possible time.
“Also speaking, the Acting Registrar, Mr. O. M. Oloye, appealed to stakeholders to consider the position of Management and allow ongoing efforts to resolve the issues in a peaceful and orderly manner, in the overall interest of the progress of the institution.
“The Acting Rector reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, calling on all stakeholders to support ongoing efforts aimed at restoring full normalcy in the Polytechnic.”
A statement by Governor Aiyedatiwa’s spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on April 25, had announced Lawson”s appointment.
He said the appointment followed the retirement of the then incumbent Rector, Dr. Adegun Simeon Olurunwa, on 24th April 2026.
Until his appointment, Lawson, a registered engineer, and a Chief Lecturer in the institution’s Department of Agricultural and BioEnvironmental Engineering Technology, was the polytechnic”s Deputy Rector.
He holds a Ph.D. degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Technology, and has over 25 years of experience in the Nigerian polytechnic system.
He has held different administrative positions, including Deputy Rector, Director of Works and Head of Department.
Lawson hails from Ajagba in Irele Local Government area of Ondo State.
