Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Governing Council Named Ahead of September Launch
In a decisive move to kickstart academic operations at the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), located in Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoniland, Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of the institution’s Governing Council and key principal officers.
This was made known on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The announcement marks a critical phase in bringing the university to life, following President Tinubu’s assent to its enabling bill on February 3, 2025.
Strong Leadership for a Strategic Institution
Topping the list of appointments is Professor Don Mon Baridam, who will serve as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. An expert in Management and Organisational Behaviour, Professor Baridam is a respected academic from the University of Port Harcourt and a native of the South-South region.
Also appointed is Professor Chinedu Mmom as the university’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor. Professor Mmom, also from the South-South, is a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Port Harcourt and a former Commissioner for Education in Rivers State.
Governing Council Reflects National Inclusion
The newly named Governing Council embodies federal character and regional balance. The members include:
- Mr. Emmanuel Onoja – North Central
- Mr. Hamid Adekunle – South West
- Professor Chima Oji – South East
- Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Lamda – North West
These appointments are expected to bring governance experience, academic insight, and a broad national outlook to guide the institution’s development.
Principal Officers Appointed to Lead Administration
The university’s administrative leadership has also taken shape with the appointment of:
- Dr. Mpigi Monday Douglas (South-South) – Registrar.
- Zoryii Josco Nwaimanie (North Central) – Bursar.
- Dr. Saghanen Ntogo G. B. (South-South) – Librarian.
These officers will play vital roles in structuring the academic, financial, and intellectual systems that will support FUET’s launch and sustainability.
Environmental Mission Rooted in Regional Realities
The university’s focus on environmental science, sustainability, and clean technology is deeply aligned with the ecological challenges of Ogoniland and the Niger Delta—a region long affected by oil exploration and environmental degradation.
FUET is designed to offer degree programmes and research opportunities in:
- Climate and Environmental Science.
- Sustainable Development.
- Renewable Energy.
- Waste and Water Management.
- Environmental Technology.
Stakeholders see it as both a symbol of restitution and a strategic hub for environmental innovation and academic excellence.
September Takeoff Underway
With its leadership now in place, the university is set to begin academic activities in September 2025. A temporary campus will be hosted at the Kira Campus of Rivers State University, while the development of permanent infrastructure continues at its designated site in Koroma/Saakpenwa.
This appointment phase is a strong signal of the federal government’s commitment to regional equity, environmental justice, and academic advancement.