Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared an end to the era of unpaid workers’ salaries in the state.

Speaking on Saturday at the combined 12th to 23rd convocation ceremony of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the education sector and directed the immediate payment of three months’ outstanding salaries to the institution’s staff.

The governor recalled that RUGIPO had struggled to pay workers before his assumption of office but noted that his government intervened with special funds to clear the backlog. He commended both management and students for their patience during the challenging period, stressing that his administration rescued the institution from near collapse.

Aiyedatiwa also announced the renovation of the RUGIPO Staff School and approved the provision of an official vehicle for the management. Expressing concern that the last convocation was held in 2013, he reiterated plans to upgrade the polytechnic into a University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology to drive technological advancement and innovation in Ondo State.

He further urged alumni members to support the institution’s development and sustainability efforts.

In his remarks, Acting Rector Olorunwa Adegun thanked the governor for clearing salary arrears through special intervention funds, describing the gesture as a lifeline that revived the school and ended a 12-year convocation hiatus.

Adegun also commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its continuous support in infrastructure and staff development, while appreciating the alumni association for their contributions to RUGIPO’s growth.