BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF RUFUS GIWA POLYTECHNIC, OWO

Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo formerly Ondo State Polytechnic, Owo is a parastatal under the Ondo State Ministry of Education and was established to provide such general functions as studies, training and development of techniques in Applied Science, Engineering and other spheres of learning leading to the award of Diploma Certificates and other distinctions in Scientific and Technological subjects taking into account at all times the requirements of Ondo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Part 1 section (3) three of the Edict (1990) that established the Polytechnic states the functions expected of the Institution as follows:-

•  To provide for studies, training and development of techniques in Applied Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Accounting, Commerce and Home Economics as well as other spheres of learning without discrimination as to sex, religion or political beliefs and convictions
•  To provide facilities for courses of instructions leading to Diplomas, Certificates and other distinctions in Scientific, Technological and other subjects taking into account at all times the manpower requirements of Ondo State in particular and Nigeria in general.
• To provide work in the development of techniques.
• To organize conference, seminars, study groups, workshops and similar activities.To provide such other facilities for activities as may in the opinion of the Governing Council serve to promote the objectives of the polytechnic.

The initial intakes of students in January, 1980 was 150 with two full time staff and 72 part-time lecturers.  This has grown into a student population of about 4,235 and staff strength of 1284 senior 666 and 618 junior staff.  The Polytechnic, which at the beginning temporarily occupied part of the Government Technical College, Owo, moved fully to the permanent site in 1986.