FUET Management Pays Courtesy Visit to Tai LGA Chairman, Seeks Partnership and Support
The Management of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni, Rivers State, has paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Tai Local Government Area, Dr. Mbakpone Friday Okpe, at the Council Secretariat, as part of ongoing stakeholder engagements for the newly established institution.
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The Management of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni, Rivers State, has paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Tai Local Government Area, Dr. Mbakpone Friday Okpe, at the Council Secretariat, as part of ongoing stakeholder engagements for the newly established institution.
Speaking on behalf of the Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, said the visit was in line with the University’s vision to build strong partnerships with key community stakeholders.
“Today’s meeting is a continuation of our consultations with stakeholders in the affairs of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, located here in Tai LGA. I bring warm felicitations to the Executive Chairman and the good people of Tai, on behalf of the Council and Management of the University,” Professor Mmom stated.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to God and the people of Tai for hosting the University, noting that FUET was established with a clear mandate for environmental remediation, technological advancement, and sustainable development. He recalled that the Bill establishing FUET was signed into law on February 3, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, while the Governing Council was inaugurated on August 11, 2025, in Abuja, with Professor Don M. Baridam appointed as Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.
Other pioneer principal officers include Dr. Monday Douglas Mpigi (Registrar), Mr. Zoryii Josco Nwaimanie (Bursar), and Dr. Saghanen G. B. Ntogo (University Librarian).
Highlighting the University’s core vision, Professor Mmom said:
“The Federal University of Environment and Technology is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and robust community engagement. Our mandate is to create a conducive learning environment that empowers students and teachers to engage in translational research that adds value to learning, empowers host communities, and contributes to national development.”
He added that preliminary work had commenced at the University site and appealed for the Tai Local Government Council’s support in building a world-class institution. The Management specifically requested:
- Construction of a befitting dual carriage entrance gate to give the University a proper identity.
- Guarantee of neighborhood security for staff and students.
- Firm action against land grabbing and encroachment on lands donated to the University.
Professor Mmom further disclosed that FUET was on track to commence academic activities in the September 2025 session, following a successful resource verification exercise by the National Universities Commission (NUC). He also warned against fake recruitment and admission advertisements circulating on social media, clarifying that official information would only be released through national dailies, local media, and the University’s official website and social media channels.
On employment, the Vice-Chancellor assured that host communities across the four Ogoni LGAs would be given priority consideration in recruitment and admissions.
In his response, the Executive Chairman of Tai LGA, Dr. Mbakpone Friday Okpe, thanked the University Management for the visit, describing it as historic and timely.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you and your team for embarking on this consultation visit. Let me first thank Mr. President. He is a wonderful leader, and he deserves accolades. This University, established for the people of Ogoni, Rivers State, and Nigeria at large, is indeed a blessing. As one of the host LGAs, we are proud to have FUET in Tai,” he said.
Dr. Okpe recalled that after signing the Bill into law, President Tinubu announced that no new federal universities would be created in the next six years, describing FUET’s establishment as a divine intervention.
“I can tell you that God came from heaven and worked through him. Among all the good things he is doing in Nigeria, he remembered the Ogoni people. We owe him so much. On behalf of Tai and the entire Ogoni nation, we will reciprocate in the 2027 General Election,” he stated.
The Chairman also commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for facilitating the University’s take-off and appreciated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for maintaining peace and development in Rivers State. He further acknowledged the contributions of Senator Barinada Mpigi and other lawmakers who ensured the passage of the FUET Bill.
Responding to the University’s requests, Dr. Okpe pledged full support, assuring that the Council would construct a befitting entrance gate once the design was made available. He also promised to work with security agencies to ensure safety, warning that land grabbers and encroachers would be arrested and prosecuted.
He emphasized the importance of host community participation in employment and admissions, pledging that Tai LGA and the Ogoni people would continue to support FUET to achieve its vision of excellence and sustainable development.
