The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) located in Koroma/Saakpenwa, Rivers, has announced that it will admit 1,004 students for its first matriculation ceremony scheduled for February 3.
Prince Mmom, the university's inaugural Vice-Chancellor, shared this information on Tuesday during a press briefing at the campus in Koroma/Saakpenwa within the Tai Local Government Area of Rivers.
FUET was inaugurated on February 3, 2025, as one of the necessary steps to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland, after operations were halted nearly 33 years ago due to turmoil in the region.
During the event, the students will enroll in various academic programs, symbolizing the official academic kickoff of the university.
According to Mr. Mmom, the students will join 28 different departments across six faculties: Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Management Technology.
The ceremony will also feature the unveiling of a statue outside the FUET auditorium honoring the late environmental and rights advocate Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Additionally, a Founders’ Day lecture and a presentation of a N5 billion endowment fund aimed at promoting research and development at the university will take place.
Mr. Mmom emphasized that within just one year, the university had made significant progress, including ongoing infrastructural development, the initiation of academic operations, and the admission of students among other achievements.
He characterized FUET as a specialized institution with aspirations to become a leading center for excellence in areas related to environmental restoration, sustainable development, and innovative technology.
“FUET has been established with a specific mission to promote knowledge, encourage innovation, and create practical answers in environmental science, technology, sustainable development, and community collaboration,” he stated.
He further noted that the federal government's signing of the Ogoni Bill of Rights on February 3, 2025, underscored its commitment to advancing development in Ogoniland.
The Vice-Chancellor added that the university is dedicated to fostering research that directly benefits communities in Ogoniland and the broader Niger Delta region while focusing on ecosystem restoration, partnerships for environmental justice, and preparing skilled graduates to tackle current environmental issues.
Despite these accomplishments, Mr. Mmom did point out several challenges the university is facing, such as insufficient residential facilities for staff and the Vice-Chancellor.
He noted, “We are yet to receive start-up allocations, grants, or contributions from the federal or Rivers State governments or development partners.”
He highlighted the need for reliable electricity supply, additional transport, more lecture halls, office spaces, laboratories, and library facilities to enhance quality education and research effectiveness.
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