Ƙabiru Haruna
The Federal Government has formally inaugurated the Governing Council and Principal Officers of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma/Saakpenwa, Rivers State, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to expand access to specialized, high-quality tertiary education in strategic fields.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the TETFund Auditorium, Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, described the event as a “critical step in the Federal Government’s sustained efforts to address both national and global development imperatives, notably environmental sustainability and technological innovation.”
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the institution’s establishment was a deliberate strategic response to urgent environmental challenges, not merely an expansion of the tertiary education landscape. He noted that the choice of Koroma/Saakpenwa — a region central to Nigeria’s natural resource base — was both symbolic and intentional, with the university envisioned as a hub for research in environmental sciences, renewable energy, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, and sustainable technology.
Addressing the newly appointed Governing Council, the Minister called for visionary leadership, strategic oversight, accountability, and merit-based decision-making. He stressed that the Council must safeguard institutional autonomy, uphold core values, and resist political or parochial interference.
To the Vice-Chancellor and Principal Officers, Dr. Alausa urged a focus on academic excellence, global best practices, faculty development, student experience, partnerships, and community engagement, while working in synergy with the Governing Council and stakeholders. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the institution under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through infrastructure development, research support, and governance reforms.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olumiyiwa Enitan, described the university’s creation as a “strategic and symbolic step” in promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship. He expressed confidence in the competence and integrity of the appointed Council and leadership, and commended Dr. Alausa for mobilizing resources to advance the education sector.
Representing Senator Barry Mpidi, Mr. Ashley Emenike hailed the establishment of the institution as a “living testimony” of the Federal Government’s commitment to the Niger Delta, pledging community support for its growth. The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, representing the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, called on the Council to “shape academic excellence, promote integrity, and drive innovation.”
In his acceptance speech, the Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Don Mon Baridam, pledged to work diligently with stakeholders to realize the university’s vision. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment and reaffirmed the Council’s resolve to deliver results aligned with national transformation goals.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Hajiya Rakiya Iliyasu, Director of University Education, who commended the Minister’s leadership and congratulated the appointees.