The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill to establish the Ondo State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House passed the bill after deliberating and adopting a report by Mr Chris Ayebusiwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education.
Ayebusiwa said that majority of stakeholders supported the proposed university, which he described as the first state-owned university of agriculture in the South-West.
He said the institution would utilise existing facilities at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, create jobs, strengthen local research, reduce dependence on foreign research and boost the state’s economy.
Ayebusiwa said the university could generate enough revenue to reduce the state government’s monthly subvention.
He added that the proposed institution would be named Ondo State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo, while Rufus Giwa Polytechnic would continue to exist.
The House Leader, Mr Olatunji Oshati, moved the motion to pass the bill, and Mr Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, representing Ondo West Constituency II, seconded it.
In a related development, the Assembly passed a bill seeking to increase the retirement age to 65 years and enhance the remuneration of magistrates and presidents of Grade A Customary Courts.
Earlier, Mr Stephen Abitogun, Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Public Petitions and Ethics, said the proposed legislation would improve productivity and stability in the justice sector.
Abitogun said the measure would help retain experienced personnel, preserve institutional knowledge, improve judgments and bridge the age gap.
He recommended expanding the bill’s title to cover additional judicial and administrative officers, including registrars, state counsel, magistrates and customary court officials.
He also recommended a transitional provision to allow serving officers below 65 years at the commencement of the law to remain in office until they attain the age of 65.
Oshati moved the motion to pass the bill, and the Deputy Speaker, Mr Lolade Gbegudu, seconded it.
The Assembly also passed the state taxes and levies bill, as well as the bill seeking to amend the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service Appropriation Law, 2026.
The Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji, commended the lawmakers and expressed optimism that the bills, upon assent by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, would promote the state's development.
Oladiji said the Assembly had passed 37 bills in 2026, with four others pending.
He subsequently declared a working recess from Oct. 27 to Dec. 3, 2026.
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