The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State, formally matriculates 1,246 pioneer students, marking a major milestone in the growth of Nigeria’s specialised higher education sector. The historic ceremony holds at the Ken Saro-Wiwa Auditorium in Tai Local Government Area, barely a year after the institution is established.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the matriculation attracts academics, government officials, parents, and community leaders who gather to witness the admission of the first cohort into the new federal university. The students gain entry into six pioneering faculties, including Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Management Technology.
The atmosphere at the event reflects excitement and optimism, as the university officially begins academic life with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and technology-driven solutions. University management describes the matriculation as a foundation for building a centre of excellence dedicated to addressing environmental and developmental challenges in the Niger Delta and beyond.
Mediaplusng.com reports that despite the celebratory mood, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedu Mmom, raises concerns over funding challenges facing the institution. He explains that as a newly established university, FUET requires strong financial support to develop infrastructure, laboratories, research facilities, and staff capacity to meet its specialised mandate.
Professor Mmom says the university is designed to provide practical, research-based solutions to environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, land degradation, and sustainable resource management. He stresses that adequate funding is critical for the institution to achieve its vision and compete with global standards in environmental education and technology.
Also speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Professor Don Baridam, describes the matriculation as a turning point for education and development in Ogoniland. He notes that the university represents hope for youths in the region and a platform for intellectual engagement with long-standing environmental challenges.
During the maiden Founder’s Day lecture, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Joseph Ajienka, urges the institution to remain focused on innovation, research, and problem-solving. He charges the university community to prioritise solutions that directly impact environmental protection, economic growth, and community wellbeing.
Professor Ajienka highlights the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and industry, noting that environmental problems require interdisciplinary approaches. He encourages students and staff to embrace research that translates into policies, technologies, and practices capable of transforming society.
The Federal Government reaffirms its commitment to supporting the university through the Ministry of Education. Representing the Minister of Education, Sunny Jide assures that the government recognises the strategic importance of the institution and will continue to provide policy and institutional backing to ensure its success.
As part of activities marking the matriculation and Founder’s Day, the university launches a ₦5 billion research and development endowment fund. University officials say the fund is expected to support research, innovation, staff development, and infrastructure growth, particularly in areas related to environmental sustainability and technological advancement.
The ceremony also features the unveiling of a statue in honour of renowned Ogoni environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. University authorities describe the statue as a symbol of the institution’s commitment to environmental justice, advocacy, and sustainable development.
Parents and guardians at the event express pride and confidence in the future of the new university. Many describe the institution as a timely intervention that will empower young Nigerians with specialised skills relevant to national and global environmental needs.
Students, who take their matriculation oath, describe the moment as historic and inspiring. They say studying in a specialised federal university focused on environment and technology positions them to contribute meaningfully to national development and global environmental solutions.
The Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni, says it will continue to expand its academic programmes, research output, and partnerships. Management maintains that with sustained funding and institutional support, the university will grow into a leading centre for environmental and technological innovation in Africa.
