ABUJA:On February 3, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni, Rivers State. This groundbreaking initiative is seen as a pivotal step in addressing the long-standing socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by the Ogoni people.
The signing ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja on Monday, with notable figures in attendance, including Senator Mpigi Barinada, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Education. Their presence highlighted the importance of this development, which aligns with the federal government’s commitment to the Ogoni people’s aspirations for educational empowerment and environmental restoration.
A Promise Fulfilled
The establishment of the university follows decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the region, which has significantly impacted the community’s health and livelihoods. The new institution will focus on environmental research, technological innovation, and human capital development. Its mission is to address the ecological issues facing Ogoniland, particularly oil-related damage, while also offering educational opportunities for the region’s youth.
The presidency confirmed the law’s passage through its official social media platform, calling the move “a promise kept by President Tinubu” to provide the Ogoni people with the necessary tools to recover and thrive. This new university will serve as a beacon of hope for those affected by the environmental crisis, empowering them to make strides in scientific studies and technological advancements.
Senator Mpigi Barinada, a staunch advocate for the project, expressed his approval, calling it a “landmark achievement for the people of Ogoni.” He emphasized that the university would not only provide quality education but would also empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to restore the environment and contribute to sustainable development.
“The university is more than an educational institution; it is a stepping stone for our youth to become stewards of our land, restoring what has been lost and ensuring a better future for the next generation,” Senator Barinada said.
The creation of the university has been a long-standing demand from the Ogoni people, who have suffered the social and economic consequences of environmental degradation for decades. This new university is seen as a crucial part of the region’s rehabilitation, providing both educational opportunities and an avenue for solving the environmental challenges that have plagued the area.
Experts believe that the Federal University of Environment and Technology will be instrumental in shaping the future of Ogoniland. Through a focus on sustainable development and environmental protection, the institution will provide future generations with the tools and knowledge to combat the impacts of oil-related degradation, and create long-term economic and environmental resilience for the region.
As the university takes shape, its potential to spearhead research in environmental restoration and technology innovation offers hope for a future where the people of Ogoni can thrive in harmony with their environment.
With the establishment of this university, President Tinubu’s government reaffirms its dedication to tackling the region’s unique challenges, addressing the needs of its people, and charting a path toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for Ogoni.