The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed four bills into law, including one establishing the Ondo State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo.

The bills were passed during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, at the Assembly Complex in Akure.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, said Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, would remain in existence, with the state government expected to use its existing facilities for the take-off of the new university.

According to the report, the establishment of the university would reduce the quest for research findings abroad, create jobs and boost the state’s economy.

The House Leader, Olatunji Oshati, moved the motion for the bill’s third reading, which was seconded by Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju.

The bill was subsequently passed through a voice vote.

Speaker Oladiji described the passage as a step towards expanding access to quality tertiary education and promoting agricultural development, scientific research and technology in the state.

The Assembly also passed a bill to increase the retirement age and enhance remuneration for registrars, deputy registrars, magistrates, state counsel and other judicial officers in the state.

Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges, Stephen Abitogun, said the law would help retain experienced officers in the justice sector and improve the quality of judgments.

The lawmakers also passed the Ondo State Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law 2025, aimed at checking multiple taxation and blocking loopholes in tax collection.

The fourth bill amended the 2026 State Internal Revenue Service Appropriation Law.

The House later observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in recognition of his contributions to Ondo State and Nigeria.

The Assembly thereafter announced a recess from October 27 to December 3, 2026.