Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared that the days of owing workers’ salaries in the state are over.
Speaking at the joint 12th to 23rd convocation ceremony of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), on Saturday, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to revitalising the education sector.
Aiyedatiwa announced the immediate payment of three months’ salaries to the polytechnic’s staff, emphasizing his resolve to ensure that workers in the state are promptly paid. He recalled that the institution struggled to meet its salary obligations until his government intervened with special funding to clear outstanding arrears.
Commending both the management and students of RUGIPO for their patience during the institution’s financial crisis, Aiyedatiwa said his administration rescued the school from “a state of near-collapse.” He also approved the renovation of the RUGIPO staff school and granted the management’s request for a vehicle, noting that the institution had not held a convocation since 2013.
The governor reiterated his vision to upgrade RUGIPO into a University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, aimed at strengthening technical and scientific education in Ondo State. He also called on the institution’s alumni to contribute actively to the growth and development of their alma mater.
In his remarks, the Acting Rector, Mr. Olorunwa Adegun, praised the governor’s timely intervention, noting that the special funds provided by the state government helped clear the backlog of unpaid salaries.
He revealed that the school had faced years of uncertainty until Aiyedatiwa’s administration broke the 12-year convocation hiatus.
Adegun further acknowledged the continuous support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in improving infrastructure and staff capacity at RUGIPO, while also appreciating the alumni association for their commitment to giving back to the institution.
