RUGIPO UNDERGOES TRANSFORMATION UNDER PASTOR SIMON ADEGUN'S LEADERSHIP

RUGIPO UNDERGOES TRANSFORMATION UNDER PASTOR SIMON ADEGUN'S LEADERSHIP 

This article aims not to eulogize a personality but to document the transformative progress recorded at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) under the leadership of its Acting Rector, Pastor S.O. Adegun, over the past 20 months. His tenure has served as a practical demonstration of how strategic leadership and collective institutional commitment can revitalize a struggling academic institution—even amidst financial and administrative constraints.

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 Institutional Stability and Workplace Environment

From the onset of his administration, Pastor Adegun fostered a culture of peace, stability, and professional freedom. What was once a work environment marked by fear and hesitation has been replaced by openness, dialogue, and team spirit. This cultural reset has directly translated into improved staff performance and departmental efficiency.

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 Restoration of Salary Payments and Staff Welfare

One of the most pivotal achievements of this administration is the restoration of full and regular salary payments. Upon assumption of office, the Polytechnic was burdened with 13 months of unpaid salaries, creating deep hardship for staff. Through financial reengineering and governmental collaboration, significant portions of this backlog have been cleared. Regular payment has not only restored staff dignity but also improved productivity across the institution.

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 Massive Programme Accreditation

Despite financial limitations and ongoing salary issues, the Polytechnic successfully secured accreditation for over 60 academic programmes, achieving 100% approval. This feat would not have been possible without the selfless contributions of ASUP members and support staff, who dedicated personal resources to ensure departmental compliance. This success has elevated the institution’s profile and improved student admissions.

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 Revival of Convocation Ceremonies

After over a decade without convocation, RUGIPO was granted permission and funding to resume this key academic event. The Acting Rector, operating without a governing council, was able to make multiple financial submissions covering accreditation, convocation, salary arrears, and wage adjustments— all of which received state approval. This marks a critical milestone in reestablishing institutional identity and academic tradition.

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Academic Excellence and Faculty Development

RUGIPO has witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of doctoral graduates among academic staff. A previously underreported strength, this achievement is now gaining recognition, thanks to a stable and enabling environment. Today, the Polytechnic compares favorably with similar institutions in terms of staff academic advancement.

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 Security, Student Welfare, and Campus Peace

Cult-related activity, a common concern in many higher institutions, has significantly declined at RUGIPO, leading to a more peaceful and productive campus atmosphere. Student cooperation with management has also been commendable, resulting in a stable academic calendar and improved academic outcomes.

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Administrative and Technological Reforms

Several technological innovations have been introduced:

• Computer-based testing (CBT) was adopted for the first time.

• Academic Board proceedings were digitized.

• Staff records are now being electronically managed.
  These reforms enhance transparency, efficiency, and long-term institutional memory.

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 Institutional Development: Artisan and Climate Change Centres

The revitalization of the Artisan Centre is another highlight. Once underfunded, it now has the capacity to produce lab coats, security doors, and run practical entrepreneurship training. It has also secured TETFUND intervention for expansion.

In line with global priorities, the Polytechnic also launched a Centre for Climate Change in collaboration with Heritage Promotion Enterprise. A successful on-site workshop (October 2024) and a virtual training for over 400 participants (December 2024) generated revenue and placed RUGIPO on the map of institutions committed to environmental sustainability.

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 Stakeholder Collaboration and Support

These achievements would not have been possible without:

• The commitment of RUGIPO staff (academic and non-academic)

• Support from unions, particularly ASUP

• Strategic support from the Ondo State Government, including Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, the Deputy Governor, Commissioner for Finance, the Olowo of Owo, the Chief of Staff, and other critical stakeholders

Their combined efforts laid the groundwork for these institutional gains.

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 Outstanding Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite progress, challenges remain—particularly in the areas of staff promotions, outstanding arrears, and infrastructure gaps. However, given the foundational reforms already in place, there is reason to believe that RUGIPO is on a path to full recovery and global relevance.

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 Conclusion

RUGIPO’s journey over the past 20 months serves as a model for institutional revival in similar contexts. With continued strategic leadership, staff dedication, stakeholder collaboration, and divine guidance—as frequently acknowledged by the leadership—the Polytechnic is well-positioned to reclaim its status as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria and beyond.

Originally written by OLUSOLA FAJEMBOLA (PhD)