The Federal Government has formally inaugurated the Governing Council and Principal Officers of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma/Saakpenwa, Rivers State, at the TETFund Auditorium, Abuja, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to expand access to specialized, high-quality tertiary education in strategic fields.
The event, presided over by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, marks a strategic move to address critical environmental and technological challenges through research-driven, homegrown solutions. Dr. Alausa described the university as a “strategic response to the urgent environmental challenges confronting Nigeria and the wider world,” explaining that the choice of Koroma/Saakpenwa—located in the heart of Nigeria’s natural resource base—was deliberate, positioning the institution as a hub for research in environmental sciences, renewable energy, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, and sustainable technology.
Although no provision was made for the institution in the 2025 budget, Dr. Alausa announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, had directed that funds be sourced to facilitate the commencement of academic activities, and TETFund had approved the takeoff grant. The University is expected to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.
Addressing the newly inaugurated Council, the Minister charged them to provide visionary leadership, strategic oversight, accountability, and merit-based decision-making while safeguarding institutional autonomy and resisting political or parochial interference. He urged the Vice-Chancellor and Principal Officers to focus on academic excellence, faculty development, global best practices, partnerships, and community engagement.
In her goodwill message, the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory( FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, representing the Minister of the FCT Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, described the institution as “a beacon of innovation, research, and practical solutions” to Nigeria’s pressing environmental and technological needs. She urged the Council to foster a culture of accountability, discipline, and innovation to position the university among Africa’s leading centres of excellence.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, praised the establishment of the University as a “significant step towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” commending Dr. Alausa for mobilizing the Ministry’s resources to strengthen the education sector.
Representing the Ogoni people, Senator Barry Mpigi, through Mr. Ashley Emenike, hailed the President’s assent to the bill establishing the University as a “living testimony” of his commitment to the Niger Delta, pledging that “the President will not need to campaign in Ogoni land” in 2027 due to this transformative project.
Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, pledged the Commission’s support to ensure the university achieved its mandate.
In his acceptance speech, the Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Don Mon Baridam, pledged that the Council would discharge its responsibilities with humility and diligence, working with stakeholders to fulfill the University’s mission in line with national priorities and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to funding infrastructure, supporting research, and implementing governance reforms to build a world-class institution that will serve generations to come.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
