The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), located in Saakpenwa, Ogoniland, is set to commence its inaugural academic session by October 2025. This was according to Prof. Don Mon Baridam, Pro‑Chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council.
Prof. Baridam – also chair the Ogoni Dialogue Committee and a former University of Port Harcourt lecturer – announced the expected October start date during an on‑site inspection of infrastructure and key project locations tied to confidence‑building accords between the federal government and the Ogoni community.
Infrastructure Assessment and Dialogue Progress
The evaluation team, comprising officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser’s Energy Security Directorate, the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, NNPCL, and Rivers State government representatives, toured significant facilities within Ogoni Land. These included the FUET campus, several general and specialist hospitals, the proposed industrial park, and the ongoing East‑West Road upgrade.
The inspection is a critical phase of the confidence‑building measures agreed upon by stakeholders ahead of plans to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland. Completion of such projects is seen as essential to easing local grievances.
During the site visit, Ojukaye Flag‑Amachree, Director of the Energy Security Directorate (ONSA), underscored the government’s commitment to fast‐tracking agreed deliverables to rebuild trust.
He stated, “We have gone round all the various facilities. You are aware that the Federal Government and the people of Ogoni have been engaged in dialogue regarding the resumption of oil exploration in the area. Critical facilities were agreed upon to help build confidence in the federal government’s genuine initiative. We have conducted this assessment to identify what can be addressed swiftly.”
“We are committed to fulfilling our part of the agreement and appreciate the communities’ cooperation. We believe that very soon, oil activities will resume in Ogoni, bringing many benefits to the people.”
Leadership Appointments and Institution Establishment
In July 2025, President Bola Tinubu formally appointed Prof. Baridam as Pro‑Chancellor, while Prof. Chinedu Mmom from the University of Port Harcourt was named Vice‑Chancellor. The Governing Council also includes national representation with members from all geopolitical zones.
Additional appointments include:
- Dr. Mpigi Monday Douglas as Registrar
- Zoryii Josco Nwaimanie as Bursar
- Dr. Saghanen Ntogo as University Librarian
The university’s enabling bill was signed into law in February 2025. Consequently marking a significant milestone toward establishing a centre for environmental and technological education in the Niger Delta region.
What Lies Ahead and Why This Matters
Prof. Baridam reaffirmed that the institution is on track to admit students before the end of October, pending final preparations under the supervision of Vice‑Chancellor Mmom.
With governance structures in place and infrastructure progressing, the university is poised to set a precedent in higher education. Markedly focused on environmental restoration and sustainable technology in Ogoniland.
Community Reconciliation: The launch reflects the federal government’s effort to rebuild trust with the Ogoni people through tangible investments.
Regional Development: FUET represents a major stride in expanding tertiary education and specialized training in environmental science and engineering in the Niger Delta.
Sustainable Oil Resumption: Beginning academic activities will demonstrate progress toward broader agreements on resuming oil production. This will further bring development and investments in Ogoniland.
FUET is on course to open its doors in October 2025 as part of a broader federal‑Ogoni dialogue efforts. It’s success will depend on timely delivery of infrastructure, leadership support, and continued community engagement.
2 comments
This is commendable. I hope to be one of those to be given lecturing job there.
I know a couple of persons with same view. Hope you’re a science, engineering, environmental or maybe technology related graduate? Some folks in humanities and arts are skeptical of securing employment. They felt, maybe the school may not include arts and humanities related fields.