By Desire Emmanuel
A polytechnic in Nigeria, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, on Saturday, October 25, held its convocation for the first time in 12 years, with the 12th to 23rd combined celebration held at the campus of the institution.
The polytechnic has been in the eyes of the storm for some time over various issues including non-payment of workers salaries, non-payment of subvention to the institution by the state government, leading to staff strikes and students protests.
The last convocation ever held at the institution was in 2013 and many of the graduates of the institution have been unable to have their convocation ceremonies that usually come with pomp and ceremonies for good 12 years.
However, the combined convocation was held on Saturday, with the governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assuring that the era of owing workers salaries at the institution was over.
To demonstrate this, Aiyedatiwa, who is the Visitor to the University, approved the immediate payment of three months salaries out of several months owed the workers of the institution and promised that he would do everything to ensure that the backlog of salaries are paid on time.
He recalled that the polytechnic could not pay its workers’ salaries until he took the mantle of leadership and provided special funds to clear the arrears.
Aiyedatiwa commended the institution’s management and students for their patience during the trying time, saying he rescued the polytechnic from a comatose state and impending total collapse.
The governor, who approved the renovation of the RUGIPO staff school and granted their request for a vehicle, expressed concern that the last convocation held in the institution was in 2013.
He, however, reiterated his administration’s commitment to upgrading the polytechnic to a University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, which would enhance technological education in the state.
Aiyedatiwa urged the polytechnic’s alumni to support their alma mater for speedy development.
Earlier, the acting Rector, Mr Olorunwa Adegun, said the governor’s decisive action through special intervention funds cleared the backlog of salary arrears for staff.
Adegun noted that the institution was on the brink of hopelessness before the governor’s intervention which broke the 12-year no-convocation jinx.
He thanked the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for persistently accelerating infrastructure development and capacity building in the institution.
