Akure, Feb. 2, 2026 (NAN) A public affairs analyst, Mr Samuel Ojo has urged Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to sustain the education legacy of the first civilian Governor of the state, Chief Adekunle Ajasin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajasin’s tenure witnessed tremendous achievements and development in the state.
Ojo, while speaking with NAN on Monday in Akure on the 50th anniversary of creation of the state, commended Aiyedatiwa for honouring the late sage.
He noted that late Ajaisn contributed immensely in all facets of human development in the state, saying it was incumbent on the state government to sustain the legacies.
“My focus will be on education and a good area for Gov. Aiyedatiwa to accord a timely attention.
“Late Pa Adekunle Ajasin had a quality love for education. Apart from his blue print policy on free education in his party in Ondo State, he founded the then Ondo State University, Ado- Ekiti, an institution that has produced illustrious educationists and giants in industries across the globe.
“He also founded Ondo State Polytechnic now Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo( RUGIPO)
“I wish the honour to be bestowed on the late sage is extended to sustaining his ideas for these institutions of higher learning, especially RUGIPO.
“Fortunately, Gov. Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti is a product of the university and l am persuaded by his contributions for uplifting the university, his alma mater,” he said.
He added that if one of the indexes for honouring late Ajasin during the 50th anniversary was borne out of his selfless contributions to development then his legacies should not die.
According to him, RUGIPO under the present administration needs a rescue that covers all facets to make the institution relevant to the needs of the people in the society.
“The management staff of RUGIPO are in acting positions for years now and this act is totally against the extant law.
“The governing council, a body to formulate policies for the age- long institution has been very inactive. The staff as well as the student welfare are all begging for attention.
“Non payment of over N600 million CTCS deductions from staff salaries, withholding of promotion to staff and deplorable student hostels amidst others make the institution more of a slum.
“The aforementioned are just a few but alarmingly the institution as at today being a technical institution is contributing nothing to the benefit of the host community,” he said.
The public affairs analyst suggested that there should the administrative acumen of former rector of the polytechnic, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun should be reintroduced to revive the institution.
“Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, who is now Commissioner for Education, was once a rector of the institution whose tenure tapped out the fortunes of the polytechnic out of woods.
“Ajibefun, a Professor of Agricultural Economics, brought his knowledge to light and established the Faculty of Agriculture which brought living comfort to the polytechnic community.
“He was not begging for funds but generated a reasonable internal revenue to complement the subvention released by the state government.
“Today, staff of RUGIPO are celebrating 50th anniversary of the state with hunger due to non payment of arrears of salaries.
“Workers in the polytechnic are still on N18, 000 minimum wage and being treated as second class inconsequential elements.
“In the face of a passive governing council, the wizardry of Ajibefun can be tapped again to help the administration of this old age polytechnic,” he stated.
He reiterated that any honour for late Ajasin would only be good when what he founded were positively built upon.
” It is in this vein, l appeal to the governor as Ondo State is celebrating 50 years, to let the joy of the celebration wipe the tears of the workers in RUGIPO and also make the institution an ideal learning institute in the 21st century. (NAN)
