The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of Engr. (Dr.) Lawson Olorunwa Sunday as the Acting Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic.

The appointment takes effect from 25 April 2026, following the retirement of the outgoing rector, Dr. Adegun Simeon Olurunwa, a day earlier.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the decision was presented as part of efforts to ensure a smooth transition in the institution’s leadership.

Who is Lawson Olorunwa?

Engr. Lawson Olorunwa is a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology at the polytechnic.

He holds a PhD in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Technology and has spent more than 25 years in Nigeria’s polytechnic system.

Over the years, he has held several key administrative roles, including Deputy Rector, Director of Works, and Head of Department.

Until his appointment, he served as the Deputy Rector of the institution.

Why It Matters

Leadership transitions in tertiary institutions often shape academic direction, administrative stability, and policy continuity.

Olorunwa’s appointment is seen as a move to maintain institutional stability, given his long-standing experience within the system.

For students and staff, continuity in leadership may help sustain ongoing academic programmes and infrastructure development.

Expert & Industry Perspective

Education analysts say internal appointments like this often provide continuity and reduce disruption.

However, experts also stress the importance of transparency and merit in future substantive appointments.

What’s Next

The acting rector is expected to oversee the institution’s administration pending the appointment of a substantive rector.

Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the leadership transition affects academic activities, staffing, and infrastructure development.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, has held a strategic meeting with the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Fatiu Abiola Arogundade, to strengthen security collaboration.

The meeting took place at the Police Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, where both parties discussed ways to enhance safety across the university community.

Why It Matters

Security has become a growing concern across Nigerian campuses, with institutions seeking stronger partnerships with law enforcement agencies.

This collaboration is expected to improve:

Protection of students and staff

Safeguarding of critical infrastructure

Rapid response to security threats

Intelligence sharing between institutions

What Was Discussed

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, discussions focused on proactive measures to address emerging security challenges.

“The visit emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and academic institutions, particularly in ensuring the safety and security of students, staff, and critical infrastructure within the university community.”

Both sides also explored improved intelligence sharing as a tool for early threat detection and prevention.

Police Reaffirm Commitment

Commissioner Ojajuni welcomed the university delegation and reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security.

“The Command remains committed to providing adequate security and fostering a safe, peaceful environment conducive for academic excellence across the state.”

Industry & Public Perspective

Security analysts say partnerships like this are increasingly necessary as universities expand and face evolving risks.

Education stakeholders also note that improved campus security can directly impact learning outcomes and institutional reputation.

What’s Next

Both the Ogun State Police Command and the university management are expected to formalise ongoing collaboration mechanisms, including:

Regular security briefings

Joint response strategies

Enhanced surveillance and monitoring systems

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has pledged support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) efforts to tackle substance abuse across Nigeria.

The endorsement came during a visit by NANS leaders to NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on 21 April 2026.

The delegation, led by NANS President Comrade Sola Oladoja, also reaffirmed support for President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and his potential re-election bid in 2027.

‘Protecting students from harm’

Mr Oladoja praised the NDLEA’s leadership and its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, which targets young people in schools.

“We commend the NDLEA for its relentless successes against drug cartels and its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian students,” he said.

He added that student support for the government was based on what he described as “tangible pro-youth achievements”, including student loan schemes and efforts to stabilise academic calendars.

Why it matters

Drug abuse has become a growing concern in Nigerian universities and colleges, with authorities warning of its impact on students’ health, academic performance, and future prospects.

The NDLEA has increasingly focused on prevention campaigns in schools, alongside enforcement operations targeting trafficking networks.

NDLEA explains student drug testing policy

NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), said tackling drug use on campuses requires collaboration with student bodies.

“We need to work with you on our efforts to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of the consequences to students’ health, their aspirations, and even their families,” he said.

Mr Marwa also addressed concerns about the Federal Government’s proposed drug integrity test for students.

“The policy is designed in the best interest of the youth, as early detection of drug use makes treatment and rehabilitation far more effective,” he explained.

He stressed that the initiative is intended to be preventive rather than punitive.

Industry and public reactions

While student leaders have backed the policy, debates continue among education stakeholders and civil society groups.

Some experts argue that drug testing could help identify at-risk students early, while others warn about privacy concerns and the need for clear safeguards.

Public health advocates have also called for increased funding for counselling and rehabilitation services alongside enforcement measures.

What’s next

Both NANS and the NDLEA say they will strengthen collaboration through awareness campaigns and campus-based interventions.

The agency is expected to expand its WADA programme, while consultations on the implementation of student drug testing are likely to continue.