FUET Management Visits Gokana Council Boss, Seeks Partnership for University Development

The Management of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni, has paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Hon. Confidence Nyima Deko, DSSRS, at the Council Secretariat, as part of its ongoing engagements with key stakeholders in the host communities.

Leading the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, JP, DSSRS, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with local authorities and communities toward the successful take-off of the newly established institution. He described FUET as a symbol of hope and a product of Ogoni’s long struggle for environmental justice and sustainable development.

Professor Mmom recalled that the Bill establishing FUET was signed into law on February 3, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governing Council was inaugurated on August 11, 2025, with Professor Don M. Baridam serving 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).

He noted that renovation of existing structures had commenced while the University awaited the approval of its Academic Brief by the National Universities Commission (NUC). He disclosed that resource verification had already been conducted and approval granted for proposed academic programmes, adding that academic activities are scheduled to commence in September 2025.

The Vice-Chancellor outlined key areas where the University requires support from the Gokana Local Government Council, including:

• Restoration of electricity and settlement of six months’ outstanding bills.
• Rehabilitation of the water supply system within the University premises.
• Construction of a sports arena for students.
• Curbing land encroachment and the activities of land grabbers around the institution.

“This University is not just for Ogoni but for all Nigerians and the global academic community. However, as critical stakeholders, the host communities will not be shortchanged,” Professor Mmom assured.

He further warned against fake online advertisements for admission or recruitment, emphasizing that FUET had not yet commenced either process and that all authentic information would be published through official University channels and national media outlets.

In his response, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Hon. Confidence Deko, welcomed the FUET Management team and commended the Federal Government for establishing the specialised University in Ogoni land. He described the development as a “historic turning point” for the Ogoni people and pledged the Council’s full support to ensure the institution’s successful take-off.

“The establishment of FUET is a blessing to Ogoni and to Nigeria at large. We will do all within our capacity as a Council to support its growth and ensure it achieves its vision,” he stated.

The visit ended with mutual assurances of collaboration between FUET and the Gokana Local Government Council, with both parties committing to work together for the accelerated growth of the University and the overall development of Ogoni land.