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National Orientation Agency, Ondo State, Third Floor, Federal Secretariat Complex, Igbatoro, Akure (2026)

30/10/2026

NOA Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful 2027 Elections, Commends INEC

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ondo State Directorate, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting civic education, voter awareness and peaceful electoral participation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The commitment was expressed by Mr Godwin Oranezu, Assistant Director in charge of Civic Values and Democracy Education (CVDE), who represented the Agency at an Electoral Risk Management (ERM) Sensitisation Workshop organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at its State Office in Akure.

The Agency commended INEC for the initiative, which brought stakeholders together to identify potential electoral threats and develop strategies to address them ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Mr Oranezu highlighted NOA's ongoing sensitisation campaign across the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State, aimed at educating and mobilising citizens against electoral violence, thuggery, vote buying and selling, and other practices capable of undermining credible elections.

He noted that the campaign also involves educating citizens on the importance of collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participating actively in the democratic process, reaffirming the Agency's commitment to promoting civic responsibility and peaceful elections.

Earlier, the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, emphasised the need for stakeholders to identify potential electoral threats and develop strategies to address them.

He explained that the workshop provided an opportunity for participants to examine possible risks across the state's senatorial districts and collectively recommend measures to prevent or mitigate them before, during and after Election Day.

The engagement featured group discussions and presentations, through which stakeholders identified electoral risk factors, shared observations and proposed practical solutions to strengthen the electoral process.

Participants included electoral officers, representatives of NOA, security agencies, media organisations and other relevant institutions.

M&C Dept,
Ondo NOA,
Akure.

National Orientation Agency, Nigeria. National Orientation Agency, South West Zonal Directorate Ondo Noa Ralph Gards Faleti Adegboyega Damilare Richard Kóròtódayò INEC Nigeria

28/10/2026

Ondo Assembly Passes Four Bills, Embarks on Working Recess

The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed four bills into law following their consideration at the third reading during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, on Tuesday.

The bills cover enhanced retirement age and remuneration for judicial and legal officers, the establishment of the Ondo State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo, the Ondo State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2026, and the amendment of the 2026 Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) Appropriation Law.

The bills were earlier referred to relevant House committees and subjected to public hearings to obtain stakeholders’ contributions before their final consideration.

Presenting the report on the judicial reforms, the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges, Hon. Stephen Oluwarotimi Abitogun, said the proposed changes would improve efficiency and stability in the administration of justice by enabling the state to retain experienced judicial and legal officers for longer. The committee also recommended provisions to protect serving officers who had not attained the age of 65 at the commencement of the law.

On the proposed university, the Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, said the institution would strengthen research, create employment, boost economic activities and generate revenue. He added that the existing facilities of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic would facilitate its establishment in Owo, while recommending that the polytechnic retain its name and identity.

Presenting the report on the new tax law, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, said the legislation would curb multiple taxation, eliminate unauthorised tax collectors and illegal roadblocks, and improve revenue collection through collaboration among ODIRS, local government councils and relevant agencies.

On the amendment of the 2026 ODIRS Appropriation Law, the committee recommended a revised budget of N8.563 billion, comprising N8.113 billion for recurrent expenditure and N449.99 million for capital expenditure. It also urged the state government and ODIRS to ensure effective implementation of the revised budget and strengthen internally generated revenue through lawful and efficient collection mechanisms.

Following voice votes by members, the House Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, moved motions for the third reading and passage of the bills. The motions were seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, the Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, Hon. Stephen Abitogun and the Chief Whip, Hon. Sulaiman Murtala.

In another development, the Speaker declared a working recess for the Assembly from October 27 to December 3, 2026.

Addressing members, Oladiji said the recess should not be regarded as a period of inactivity but as an opportunity for lawmakers to engage with their constituents, monitor government projects and budget implementation, assess the impact of government policies and identify areas requiring legislative intervention.

He also urged members to review existing laws, identify legislative gaps and prepare proposals to improve governance and strengthen democratic accountability.

The Speaker thanked members for their contributions and expressed confidence that the working recess would strengthen constituency representation and improve legislative performance.

Oluwadare ADEDAYO,
NOA Correspondent,
Ondo State House of Assembly,
Akure.

National Orientation Agency, South West Zonal Directorate Ondo Noa Damilare Richard Kóròtódayò

26/10/2026

Ondo Assembly Endorses State Police, Eyes Faster Response to Security Threats

The Ondo State House of Assembly has endorsed the proposed constitutional amendment to establish State Police Services, expressing optimism that decentralised policing will strengthen grassroots security, improve responses to security threats and protect farmers against attacks and kidnapping.

The approval followed extensive deliberations during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji, on Monday, October 26th, 2026. The lawmakers supported the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), by more than the required two-thirds majority.

The proposal was conveyed to the Assembly in a letter from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, which was read by the Speaker on September 24th.

Following the consideration of the bill, the Committee of the Whole House recommended that the Assembly grant concurrence to the proposed constitutional alteration, subject to an amendment to Section 317A(5). The committee said it had examined the bill clause by clause.

Speaking on the development, Oladiji described state police as a long-standing national issue that had remained at the forefront of public discourse for more than two decades.

He said the proposed reform was a necessary step towards strengthening security and governance, stressing that the country could not afford further delays in addressing its security challenges.

“Following the extensive deliberations and thorough scrutiny of this bill by this Honourable House, it is clear that this is the least we can do to strengthen security and governance in our dear state,” the Speaker said.

The Committee of the Whole House identified several potential benefits of state police, including improved grassroots intelligence gathering, faster responses to emergencies and more effective crime prevention.

It also noted that state police could complement the Federal Police Service by addressing local security challenges, allowing the federal institution to concentrate on interstate crimes and other complex security matters.

On agricultural and road security, the committee observed that state police could help protect farmers against kidnapping and attacks, improve security in farming communities, support food production and strengthen safety along highways.

The Speaker subsequently directed the Clerk of the House to transmit the bill to the National Assembly alongside the observations and recommendations made by the state legislature, in line with the constitutional amendment process.

The development comes amid efforts to establish a legal framework for decentralised policing in Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on July 7th, 2026, inaugurated the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill to prepare the framework for implementing state police across the country.

The initiative followed the National Assembly’s passage of the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026, which proposes a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and 36 State Police Services.

The proposed reform seeks to bring policing closer to communities and improve Nigeria’s capacity to tackle insecurity.

Oluwadare ADEDAYO,
NOA Correspondent,
Ondo State House of Assembly,
Akure.

National Orientation Agency, Nigeria. Ondo Noa National Orientation Agency, South West Zonal Directorate Damilare Richard Kóròtódayò Ralph Gards

13/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE.

NOA URGES ELIGIBLE VOTERS IN ONDO TO COLLECT PVCs AHEAD OF 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ondo State Directorate, has called on all eligible registered voters across the state, particularly those who recently registered or applied for voter registration transfers and other updates, to take advantage of the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The NOA State Director, Mrs Bola Oguntuase in a statement issued on Monday in Akure noted that the exercise provides an important opportunity for eligible citizens to obtain their PVCs and prepare adequately to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

INEC has scheduled the ward level PVC collection exercise as from Friday, 9th October, to Thursday, 15th October 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. Following the conclusion of the ward-level exercise, collection will continue at INEC Local Government Area offices from Friday, 16 October 2026.

The exercise covers eligible voters whose PVCs are ready for collection, including those who registered or transferred their registration during the relevant registration period. INEC has also indicated that other categories of available PVCs, including uncollected cards from previous registration exercises, may be collected in accordance with its arrangements.

The NOA Director emphasised the need for widespread public sensitization to ensure that eligible voters, especially first-time registrants and those who have completed registration related transactions, are adequately informed of the collection schedule and the appropriate collection centres.

The Agency boss disclosed that the PVC remains an essential requirement for voter accreditation and participation in elections under the applicable electoral framework. It therefore urged eligible citizens not to wait until the last minute before collecting their cards.

The State Director called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community development associations, youth organisations, market associations, civil society groups, political parties and the media to support INEC by disseminating accurate information about the exercise and encouraging eligible voters to participate.

The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible citizenship, democratic participation, national values and peaceful electoral conduct, while urging the people of Ondo State to demonstrate civic responsibility by ensuring that their PVCs are ready ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Signed
Ralph Oguntibeju,
Head, Media & Communication Dept,
Ondo NOA.

National Orientation Agency, Nigeria. Ondo Noa Ralph Gards Faleti Adegboyega National Orientation Agency, South West Zonal Directorate Damilare Richard Kóròtódayò

07/10/2026

Ondo Assembly Tasks Land Ministry, Agencies on Faster C of O Processing, Effective Service Delivery

The Ondo State House of Assembly has tasked the State Ministry of Lands and Housing, Ondo State Property Development Corporation (OSDPC) and Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OSSAA) to expedite the processing and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to facilitate ease of doing business and enable property owners to access financial opportunities.

The House also called for stronger synergy between the agencies and the legislature to improve service delivery and address challenges affecting their operations.

The House Committee on Lands and Housing, led by its Chairman, Chief Abiola Oladapo, made the call during an oversight visit to the Ministry of Lands and Housing, OSDPC and OSSAA in Akure on Wednesday.

Oladapo, who represents Ondo West Constituency II, said the committee was at the agencies to monitor their activities and budget performance, identify challenges and determine areas where legislative intervention could be provided.

He particularly sought information on the factors responsible for delays in the processing of C of O, stressing that landowners needed the documents for investment purposes and to access loans and other financial facilities.

The committee also directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to furnish it with documents relating to its ongoing projects and contractors, adding that members would physically inspect some of the projects to ascertain their level of completion.

The lawmakers said the committee was prepared to support the ministry and other agencies through appropriate legislative measures, stressing that regular interaction between the agencies and the House would enable the lawmakers to understand their challenges and reflect them in their reports and budget considerations.

Reeling out the ministry's activities on behalf of the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, the Permanent Secretary, Lands and Housing, Mr Niyi Akinbola, said the ministry was responsible for land administration, construction of public buildings, and the upgrading and renovation of government facilities across the state.

Akinbola said several projects were ongoing at various stages, including the new High Court Complex at Alagbaka, 32 units of four-bedroom terrace buildings for cabinet members, the Ministry of Finance Office Complex, a two-storey office building for the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission, two hostel blocks at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko, and the Accountant-General's Office, among others.

He added that renovation works were ongoing at the Ministries of Water Resources, Energy and Women Affairs, as well as other government facilities, while land administration had been digitised to make title processing more transparent and accessible.

He, however, identified inadequate security for field officers as a major challenge and appealed for improved protection during official assignments.

At the OSDPC, the General Manager, Mrs Nene Ogunleye, appreciated the committee for the visit, saying it would help strengthen the relationship between the corporation and the legislature.

She said the corporation, under the supervision of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, was responsible for providing affordable housing but faced some challenges in delivering fully on its mandate.

The committee assured the corporation of its legislative support and urged the management to maintain regular communication with the House, noting that effective synergy would enable the lawmakers to understand its challenges and provide appropriate intervention to improve housing delivery in the state.

At OSSAA, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Morayo Bayo-Philips, who represented the Chairman of the agency, said the agency would continue to discharge its core responsibilities, including the registration and permitting of signage and outdoor advertising structures, inspection of approved locations, renewal of expired permits and enforcement against unauthorised or expired structures.

She said OSSAA was collaborating with local governments to identify and capture signage owners, businesses and outdoor advertising structures within their jurisdictions, adding that the initiative would create a comprehensive statewide database, reduce revenue leakages and improve compliance.

The committee also assured the agency of legislative support and urged it to sustain its synergy with the House.

07/10/2026

Public Hearing: Stakeholders Canvass Improved Welfare, 65-Year Retirement Age for Magistrates

The Ondo State House of Assembly has held a public hearing on a bill seeking to provide for the retirement age of magistrates and presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts in the state, with stakeholders calling for improved welfare and an extension of the retirement age to 65 years.

The hearing, held on Wednesday at the Mini Chamber of the Assembly Complex, Akure, brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice, Law Commission, judiciary, Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant institutions to deliberate on the proposed legislation.

Members of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges present at the hearing included Hon. (Barr.) Afe Felix, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi and Hon. Allen Oluwatoyin.

Declaring the hearing open, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. (Barr.) Stephen Abitogun, said the proposed legislation was aimed at strengthening the administration of justice by retaining experienced judicial officers and improving efficiency in the lower courts.

Abitogun noted that magistrates and presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts were at the frontline of the justice system, serving as the first point of contact for many citizens seeking redress, enforcement of their rights and resolution of disputes.

He said the bill was also intended to align the retirement age and conditions of service of lower court judicial officers with contemporary standards and best practices, while preserving institutional knowledge and improving career satisfaction and welfare.

The Chairman urged stakeholders to make constructive submissions, assuring them that every memorandum and position presented would receive fair and objective consideration before the committee submits its report to the House.

Speaking on the bill, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon. (Barr.) Afe Felix, assured stakeholders that the lawmakers would give the proposed legislation the necessary consideration and attention.

Also, a member of the committee, Hon. Allen Oluwatoyin, appreciated the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for prioritising the welfare of judicial officers.

He noted that the bill focused on the welfare and benefits of judicial workers, assuring stakeholders that all relevant aspects would be carefully considered as the committee scrutinised the legislation, with fairness guiding its decision.

In his submission, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Ayedun Olusegun Odusola, represented by Justice Femi Akinbinu, cautioned against extending benefits specifically designed for judicial officers to civil servants in the judiciary, particularly the proposed retirement age of 65 years.

He noted that such an arrangement could create disparities in conditions of service and potentially trigger industrial unrest in other sectors.

Presenting the memorandum of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, the Chairperson, His Worship Oluwafunmi Abosede Edwin, called for enhanced welfare packages for magistrates, particularly an increase in the retirement age to 65 years, as well as improved remuneration, retirement benefits and allowances.

She said better welfare for judicial officers would boost their morale and contribute to a more efficient and effective administration of justice in the state.

Also presenting his memorandum, the Chairman of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, Mr Ale Abayomi, Esq., called for the implementation of the 1998 Policy Harmonisation Agreement, stressing that its continued non-implementation could undermine the welfare of law officers and pose a threat to the effective functioning of the justice system.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Akure Branch, Mr Kekemeke Oju, expressed support for the submissions made by the various stakeholders, stressing that the welfare of judicial officers remained critical to effective justice delivery.

He urged the committee to consider all the agitations and recommendations presented at the hearing, saying improved welfare would contribute to better dispensation of justice.

Giving the vote of thanks, the Clerk of the House, Barr. Benjamin Jaiyeola, stated that the key objective of the bill was to retain valuable expertise within the sector by ensuring that experienced judicial officers were not prematurely lost from the system.

He added that the hearing underscored the collective interest of stakeholders in strengthening the administration of justice in Ondo State.

Oluwadare ADEDAYO,
NOA Correspondent,
ODHA,
Akure.

01/10/2026

Ondo Assembly Passes N60.99bn OSOPADEC Budget, Advances Tax and Revenue Bills

The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed the N60.99 billion 2026 budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) into law.

The budget, which scaled third reading during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji, authorises the release of N60,993,578,638 from the State Consolidated Revenue Fund for OSOPADEC's services for the year ending December 31, 2026.

The amount comprises N7.51 billion for recurrent expenditure and N53.48 billion for capital expenditure.

Presenting the report of the joint Committees on OSOPADEC and Finance and Appropriation, the Chairman of the House Committee on OSOPADEC, Hon. (Primate) Allen Oluwatoyin, said the projected revenue from 40 per cent of the 13 per cent oil derivation was in line with the provision for OSOPADEC in the 2026 state budget.

He said the budget would provide the financial framework for the commission to effectively execute its developmental responsibilities under the administration's “Our Ease Agenda.”

The committees recommended that OSOPADEC prioritise the completion of ongoing projects, diversify its funding sources through partnerships with development and donor agencies, and strengthen staff capacity through training and retraining.

They also called for a sustainable procurement plan aligned with the commission's priorities and urged the State Government to ensure timely release of funds, particularly because of the peculiar terrain of the mandate areas.

The House unanimously adopted the recommendations, following which the Leader of the House, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, moved the motion for the bill to be read for the third time and passed into law. The motion was seconded by the member representing Ondo West II Constituency, Hon. Abiola Oladapo.

Meanwhile, the House also passed through second reading a bill seeking to enact the Ondo State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025, which provides for the collection of taxes and levies by the State Government and local governments.

The bill was committed to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further scrutiny.

Speaker Oladiji said the legislation was long overdue and stressed the need to align the state's tax and levy framework with current developments and practices in other states.

Similarly, a bill seeking to amend the Year 2026 Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) Appropriation Law scaled second reading and was also committed to the Finance and Appropriation Committee.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, said the proposed amendment was aimed at strengthening the state's internally generated revenue and enhancing ODIRS's capacity to meet its revenue targets.

Oluwadare ADEDAYO,
NOA Correspondent,
ODHA,
Akure.

Damilare Richard Kóròtódayò

30/09/2026

Ondo Assembly Moves to Strengthen Secondary Schools Management

The Ondo State House of Assembly has commenced moves to strengthen the management and administration of secondary schools across the state through a proposed legislation seeking to establish a Board for the Management of Secondary Schools.

The Assembly made the move during a public hearing on the bill held at the Assembly Complex, Akure, which brought together members of the House, government officials, education stakeholders and other interested parties to deliberate on the proposed legislation.

Declaring the public hearing open on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, said the proposed law was aimed at providing a structured and effective management system for secondary schools across the state.

Gbegudu explained that the proposed board would perform functions similar to those of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in the basic education sector.

According to him, the board would be responsible for the management of secondary schools, including equipment and infrastructure, as well as the ex*****on of capital projects and other activities necessary for the effective running of the schools.

He said the proposed legislation would provide a more autonomous and efficient framework for decision-making and policy implementation in the secondary education sector.

The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism that, if passed into law and effectively implemented, the bill would add value to secondary education and improve the overall management of schools in the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Kolawole Ologede, said the bill was before the House for legislative scrutiny and action, adding that the legislative process had reached the stage of public hearing.

Ologede said the bill was committed to the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology in line with the mandate of the Assembly to ensure the proper and timely consideration of legislative proposals.

He explained that the public hearing was organised to give major stakeholders an opportunity to make contributions, identify areas requiring further attention and submit memoranda that would assist the committee in harmonising views before the bill is presented for further consideration by the House.

The lawmaker said the proposed legislation, if passed, would provide a more effective and efficient management system for secondary schools across the state and position Ondo among states that had adopted similar initiatives.

He added that the establishment of the board could create opportunities for the state to attract grants, donor support and development projects aimed at improving secondary education.

Ologede urged stakeholders to make meaningful contributions and identify grey areas requiring further consideration before the bill is considered for passage into law.

He appreciated the leadership of the House, members of the committee and other stakeholders for their support towards the success of the public hearing.

Also present at the public hearing were Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Hon. Raymond Daodu, Hon. Tope Agbulu, Hon. Morenike Witherspoon, Hon. Chris Aiyedatiwa, Hon. Fatai Atere and Hon. Oluwatoyin Japhet, among other members of the House and stakeholders.

Oluwadare ADEDAYO,
NOA Correspondent,
ODHA,
Akure.

29/09/2026

Ondo Assembly Engages Stakeholders on Proposed Rufus Giwa University

The Ondo State House of Assembly has engaged stakeholders in the education sector and other relevant groups on the proposed establishment of the Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo.

The engagement was held on Tuesday during a public hearing on a Bill seeking to provide for the establishment, incorporation, constitution and functions of the Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo, organised by the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions at the Mini Chamber of the Assembly Complex, Akure.

The hearing attracted traditional rulers from Owo Local Government Area, education stakeholders, representatives of the state government, members of the public and other interested groups.

Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, described the proposed university as an important step towards expanding access to specialised higher education and strengthening human capital development in the state.

He urged stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to the Bill, noting that their views, observations and recommendations would assist the House in developing a sound legal and administrative framework for the proposed institution.

Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, said the public hearing provided an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their knowledge and experience to the process of establishing the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology.

Ayebusiwa described the process as another historic stage in the proposed transformation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic into a university, saying stakeholders inputs, criticisms, questions and suggestions would help the committee produce legislation that would serve the interests of the institution and the state.

He attributed the initiative to the vision of the Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and commended him for pursuing the transformation of the Polytechnic into a university.

The committee chairman also appreciated the Speaker and members of the Assembly for their support, as well as the various stakeholders who participated in the hearing.

Speaking at the event, the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, commended the Assembly for its efforts towards the development of the state and for considering the Bill.

The monarch also appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for initiating the proposed upgrade, noting that Rufus Giwa Polytechnic had contributed significantly to the development of middle-level manpower in Ondo State and Nigeria.

According to him, the changing needs of society and declining student intake made the proposed conversion timely, adding that the university could provide an enduring legacy for the people of Owo.

Oba Ogunoye said the traditional institution and the people of Owo supported the proposed university, explaining that the community had widely consulted on the matter and believed that its concerns had been adequately reflected in the Bill.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his vision and commitment to transforming Rufus Giwa Polytechnic into a university.

Ajibefun congratulated the Olowo, the people of Owo and the people of Ondo State, noting that the benefits of the proposed transformation would extend beyond the host community to other parts of the state.

He described the public hearing as historic and commended the Assembly for providing stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute to the proposed legislation.

The Commissioner also addressed concerns regarding the proposed name of the institution, explaining that the designation, Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, was broad enough to accommodate diverse academic disciplines.

According to him, the inclusion of Science and Technology would accommodate fields such as engineering and medical sciences, while Agriculture remained interconnected with several other areas of study.

He noted that specialised universities of agriculture in Nigeria offer programmes beyond agriculture, including management sciences, stressing that it was therefore unnecessary to list every discipline in the name of a university.

Ajibefun assured stakeholders that the proposed name would provide sufficient room for academic expansion and enable the institution to respond to emerging educational and developmental needs.

He said the three key areas of Agriculture, Science and Technology provided a comprehensive identity for the proposed university and would position it to contribute meaningfully to the educational and developmental needs of the state.

Also present at the public hearing were other members of the committee, including: Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Hon. Raymond Daodu, Hon. Tope Agbulu, Hon. Prophetess Morenike Witherspoon, Hon. Kolawole Ologede, Hon. Fatai Atere and Hon. Oluwatoyin Japhet.

Oluwadare ADEDAYO,
NOA Correspondent,
Ondo State House of Assembly,
Akure.

Ondo Noa Damilare Richard Kóròtódayò National Orientation Agency, South West Zonal Directorate

National Orientation Agency, Ondo State

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