The Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Mr. Olorunwa Simon Adegun, on Thursday, 24 July 2025, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Education in Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun.
According to Mr. Adegun, the visit was to strengthen the existing relationship between the polytechnic, the commissioner, and the Ministry of Education, which supervises tertiary institutions in the state.
During the visit, Mr. Adegun highlighted the progress made by the institution in the last 20 months, including successful accreditation of over 68 programs, regular payment of salaries, international recognition, human capital development, and infrastructural development.
He expressed his appreciation to the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his benevolence to the polytechnic. Mr. Adegun also informed the commissioner about the institution's plans to hold a combined convocation.
He commended Prof. Ajibefun's contributions to the polytechnic during his tenure as rector from 2010 to 2015, congratulated him on his appointment, and pledged the institution's support, describing the appointment as well-deserved.
The Commissioner reiterated his commitment to developing education in Ondo State and pledged support for the polytechnic.
He emphasised the importance of peace and stability in the institution, urging the management to keep students engaged and curb secret cult activities.
He also encouraged the management to find ways to ensure a stable academic calendar and harmonious working conditions.
According to him, “The Polytechnic must remain peaceful. Peace is crucial for stability and development.”
He charged the polytechnic management to “take a strong stance against cultism to prevent crises that could destabilise the institution” and to also “let students know that there are serious consequences for engaging in cult activities.”
Prof. Ajibefun also expressed support for the governor's plan to upgrade the polytechnic to a university, stating that the governor's vision of transforming the institution would lead to significant progress and benefits for both the institution and the state.
He assured continued support for the polytechnic and expressed his commitment to ensuring that educational matters in Ondo State are handled properly.
The delegation was received warmly by the commissioner, who expressed his appreciation for the courtesy visit. He encouraged the Acting Rector to keep the flag flying and urged the staff to remain dedicated in appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa, notably for the reduction of salary arrears to just three months.
In a related development, the Acting Rector also paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Olaoluwa Herbert Akindolire, to congratulate him on his well-deserved appointment, to express appreciation for his past support to the polytechnic, and to strengthen the relationship between the polytechnic and the ministry.
In his remarks, Mr. Akindolire reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the polytechnic, acknowledging the institution’s large wage bill as the oldest higher education institution in Ondo State with a large number of staff. He promised to look into the implementation of the new national minimum wage for the institution.
Mr. Adegun was accompanied on both visits by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Mike Oloye; the Acting Bursar, Mr. Odunayo Oyewusi; the Coordinator of Library Services, Mr. Samuel Kolawole Ayodele; the Chairman of the Committee of Deans, Mr. Segun Vincent Omosuli; and the Administrative Assistant to the Rector, Mr. Gbenga Ademiluyi.
Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol,
Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
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