By O. D. Fajembola (PhD)
This piece highlights the developments that have taken place in RUGIPO within the last 20 months, rather than praising the Ag. Rector. While the Ag. Rector’s accomplishments would likely be widely publicized in a political setting, such celebrations are not common in RUGIPO, and Pastor Adegun has never sought personal recognition.
This write-up is not a publicity stunt, but rather an attempt to demonstrate what can be accomplished through perseverance, hard work, and humility. As the longest-serving member of RUGIPO’s Academic Board, having served from 1996 to the present, I believe I have a deep understanding of the institution’s past and present, allowing me to offer a unique perspective on its progress.
Since Pastor Adegun took office, the Polytechnic has been marked by an atmosphere of peace, stability, and a willingness to serve, with various departments and units functioning optimally. Fear has given way to open communication, allowing staff to express themselves freely and offer suggestions without fear of reprisal, significantly boosting performance.
One of the key accomplishments of this administration is ensuring full and regular monthly payments from its inception, eliminating modulated salaries. While this may seem like a standard management duty, it’s a significant achievement given the recent past when workers were uncertain about salary payment schedules and amounts. A stable income is essential for workers, and irregular or uncertain pay can severely impact families and commitment to service.
When Mr. Adegun took office, there were thirteen months of outstanding salary arrears, causing immense hardship for workers. Gradually, these arrears were paid off in installments of three months each. This significant achievement, made possible by Governor Ayedatiwa and key civil servants, has boosted morale and partially restored the dignity of workers. Mr. Adegun has pledged that under his leadership, RUGIPO will never again face such a challenging period.
Equally significant is the simultaneous accreditation of over sixty programmes, achieved despite financial constraints and salary arrears. The institution secured 100% approval, demonstrating the Acting Rector’s ability to lead under challenging circumstances. Credit is also due to dedicated ASUP members who sacrificed time, money, and resources to support their departments and ensure success.
Their resilience and commitment were key encouragements to Management. The significant contributions of other staff members must also be acknowledged and noted. The success in the accreditation has given the Polytechnic a boost in admission and an enhanced status among its peers.
The approval of the Governor for RUGIPO to hold a convocation ceremony and receive funding should be considered a significant achievement of this Management. In the past decade, the institution has been unable to hold graduation ceremonies, which should occur annually. The Acting Rector had to navigate presenting multiple financial requests at once, including those for accreditation, graduation funds, salary arrears, and the minimum wage, all without Council support.
To the glory of God, dedication of the Ag. Rector, commitment of Mr. Governor to RUGIPO and endurance and patience of staff these requests have been favourably treated. The Governor has promised the implementation of the minimum wage which will cap the full approval of all these items.
RUGIPO is gradually recovering from the perception of being a failed institution that squanders government resources, a notion previously held by government officials. However, the outstanding achievements of distinguished ASUP members, who frequently earn PhDs from various universities, were not highlighted to the government; instead, the focus was on the actions of a few deviants.
The peaceful environment at RUGIPO has enabled members to pursue their programmes without fear of intimidation, and the institution boasts a remarkable record of PhD graduates. I commend all ASUP members for this achievement. Furthermore, the institution has experienced relative peace from cultism, reducing threats to students and allowing them to focus on their studies. The Management has also enjoyed cooperation from the student body, ensuring campus peace. This peace has contributed to stability in the academic calendar and reduced staff restiveness, leading to a gradual increase in enrolment.
The Acting Rector has also made a significant impact in other areas, including the restoration of order in the payment of students’ fees. Previously, the process was chaotic and inefficient, affecting revenue generation. Although some challenges persist, there is a gradual return to due process in student registration and fee payment, as students now understand that it is no longer business as usual. Under Pastor Adegun’s leadership, management has introduced computer-based tests for the first time at RUGIPO and has converted Academic Board proceedings to electronic format. These landmark achievements are transforming the way things are done on campus. Furthermore, the digitization of staff records is underway, which will revolutionize record-keeping in the institution. Other notable developments include the new Directorate of Students’ CAREER SERVICE CENTRE, which is already making a positive impact on students, and the efforts to create a positive public image for the Polytechnic through various initiatives.
Notable achievements include improvements to the Artisan Centre and the establishment of the Centre for Climate Change. The Artisan Centre previously struggled with inadequate funding and power supply issues, but Pastor Adegun’s attention has yielded positive results. The Centre can now produce laboratory coats, security doors, and has introduced practicals for the Entrepreneur curriculum for the first time. The Acting Rector has also secured TETFUND intervention for the Centre. Furthermore, RUGIPO has partnered with Heritage Promotion Enterprise to develop the Centre for Climate Change, which aims to promote research and secure grants related to climate change. A successful workshop and online training have generated income for RUGIPO and Heritage Promotion Enterprise. The administration’s impact is also evident in other sectors of the institution.
There is no doubt that the Ag. Rector has impacted RUGIPO positively within a very short span of time. It must also be noted that these were made possible by staff dedication and commitment even under serious personal inconveniences. As we celebrate Mr. Ag. Rector, we equally must celebrate his Management team, our ASUP Executive and distinguished members and all non-academic members of staff and in particular their Union Leaders who supported the visions of this administration.
The institution should express gratitude to God for the divine arrangement of these accomplishments. Additionally, we acknowledge the contributions of the Governor, who has shown support for RUGIPO, as well as the roles of the Deputy Governor, Commissioner for Finance, the Olowo of Owo, Special Adviser on Union Matters, Chief of Staff to the Governor, State House of Assembly, State Accountant General, and others who have played important roles in facilitating the efforts of the Acting Rector.
While challenges persist, including unresolved issues of promotions and arrears, it is undeniable that, given the circumstances, the Acting Rector has made significant progress in moving the institution forward. With continued support and prayers, RUGIPO will overcome its remaining challenges and regain its status as a leading polytechnic in the region.
