The Honourable Minister of Education, Chief (Dr) Maruf Olatunji Alausa (FAMedS), CON, has been rejoiced with by the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, and the entire management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Education on the conferment of his honorary chieftaincy title, Mene Zinakpa I of Tai (The Academic Star I), by His Royal Majesty, King Samuel L. A. Nnee, Gbenemene Tai Kingdom, and the Kpite Council of Traditional Rulers of Tai Local Government Area in Rivers State.
Professor Ahmad, speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education, described the honour as well-deserved recognition of Chief (Dr) Alausa’s exemplary leadership, visionary service, and transformative contributions to Nigeria’s education sector. She noted that the conferment reflects the high esteem in which the Honourable Minister is held both nationally and within communities that have benefited from his tireless efforts to advance education, innovation, and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Minister of State expressed profound gratitude to His Royal Majesty, King Samuel L. A. Nnee, and the Kpite Council of Traditional Rulers for honouring Dr. Alausa, describing the gesture as a reflection of the deep appreciation of the people of Tai Kingdom for his pivotal role in facilitating the establishment and take-off of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni.
She commended the Kpite Council for recognising merit and excellence, noting that such acts of acknowledgment strengthen the relationship between traditional institutions and the Federal Government in promoting education, unity, and sustainable national growth.
Chief (Dr) Alausa, who formally accepted the conferment, expressed deep appreciation to His Royal Majesty, the Council of Chiefs, Elders, and the people of Tai Kingdom for what he described as a deeply humbling honour. He also extended gratitude to Chief (Prof.) Don M. Baridam, FAMN, Mene Anorkpa I of Tai (Academic Star), the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, FUET, who conveyed the Council’s decision in a letter recognising his significant contributions to education and national development.
The title, Mene Zinakpa I of Tai (The Academic Star I), was conferred in appreciation of Dr. Alausa’s visionary leadership and commitment to ensuring the immediate take-off of FUET an institution dedicated to advancing environmental science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Chief (Dr) Alausa reaffirmed his commitment to the continued growth and rapid development of FUET as one of the flagship institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasised that the University will serve as a model for excellence, research, and transformative education, and a hub for environmental leadership, human capital development, and economic empowerment for the Ogoni people and the nation at large.
He further appreciated the University’s Governing Council, Vice-Chancellor, management, staff, and host communities for their steadfast support and partnership, pledging to strengthen collaboration across all sectors to expand access to quality education, accelerate national progress, and build a brighter future for generations to come.
The Federal Ministry of Education family collectively described the conferment as a historic and well-merited recognition of Chief (Dr) Alausa’s dedication, innovation, and patriotic service to the nation. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for his leadership and shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s education system to greater heights.
Signed
Folasade Boriowo
Director, Press & Public Relations
