Tai (Rivers) – The Federal Government has said that Nigeria will soon produce additional expertise needed to address climate change and environmental degradation, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this on Wednesday at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, Tai area of Rivers.
Represented by Mr Sunday Ajide, a director in the ministry, Alausa said climate change and environmental pollution had increasingly become serious global concerns.
According to him, the establishment of FUET is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and providing solutions to environmental challenges.
“FUET will promote environmental sustainability and address the unique ecological and developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region,” he said.
He added that the choice of environment and technology as the institution’s core mandate was both timely and strategic.
“In an era in which climate change, environmental degradation, renewable energy and sustainable development dominate global discourse, FUET is well positioned to become a centre of excellence in research, innovation and solutions-driven scholarship.
“The university will play a critical role in producing skilled professionals, researchers and leaders who will contribute meaningfully to national development and global environmental stewardship,” Alausa said.
The minister assured the institution of the full support of the Ministry of Education in the areas of policy guidance, infrastructural development, staff capacity building, programme accreditation and funding.
Alausa also urged industry stakeholders, research institutions and developmental partners to collaborate with the university to enhance its relevance, innovation and sustainability.
He commended the vice-chancellor, members of the governing council, management and staff for their efforts in bringing FUET into operations following its establishment on Feb. 3, 2025.
Speaking at the event, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of FUET, Prof. Prince Mmom, said the university had admitted more than 1,000 students across six faculties, including Agriculture and Applied Health Sciences.
The other faculties are Engineering Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Management Technology.
According to him, within the next five years the institution would produce some of Nigeria’s best minds to drive environmental solutions across the Niger Delta and the country at large.
“This will be achieved through strict adherence to university rules and regulations and by exhibiting a high sense of personal responsibility in upholding and maintaining these standards at all times,” he said.
Mmom said that within its first year, the university had recorded notable milestones, including ongoing infrastructural development, commencement of academic activities and the admission of students.
He described FUET as a specialised institution designed to become a world-class centre of excellence in environmental restoration, sustainable development and technological innovation.
“The university will promote translational research with direct impact on communities, Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta region.
“FUET will focus on ecosystem regeneration, environmental justice partnerships and the production of skilled graduates capable of addressing contemporary environmental challenges,” he added.
The vice chancellor said the institution would not tolerate cultism, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, the exchange of grades for money, or the sale of handouts and unapproved books or manuals.
He urged students to remain focused, uphold the highest ethical standards, and embrace the opportunities for learning, innovation and character development offered by the university.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of FUET’s Governing Council, Prof. Don Baridam, said severe sanctions awaited lecturers and non-teaching staff who extort students, sell handouts or demand sexual gratification.
“In addition, lecturers must be visible on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, while local scholars who fail to publish indexed articles will not be tolerated at FUET,” he warned.
Baridam advised students to set high personal high academic standards, warning that the institution would rusticate those who fail to comply with its rules and regulations.
