A bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Ogoni, Rivers State was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja, and he pledged to continue supporting the area.
According to a statement signed by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Ogoni town of Tai will host the university.
President Tinubu stated at the signing ceremony that the establishment of the university would increase Ogoni citizens’ empowerment and give them more opportunities for growth and development.
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“Today marks a significant milestone in our nation’s effort to advance environmental justice, education, and sustainable development.
The President claimed that the Ogoni have been responsible for much of our development and agitation and have suffered enough environmental degradation.
” It is more than the creation of a university. It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to Ogoni, the Niger Delta, and the entire country as a whole.
The Ogoni people have been leading the charge for sustainable development and environmental restoration for decades, leading both domestic and international discussions on these pressing issues.
” By signing this bill into law, we are taking a decisive step towards addressing historical grievances and creating new opportunities for learning, growth and prosperity, “he stated.
The university will “serve as a center of excellence, providing young Nigerians with the knowledge and skill to address present environmental challenges, promote clean energy solutions, and support our national sustainable economic development,” the president declared.
Tinubu thanked the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House of Representatives leadership, for properly considering the bill.
” Let me also commend the Ogoni delegation. Your steadfast advocacy for justice is encouraging. It will be rewarded, I assure you.
“As we look ahead, I urge all the stakeholders, traditional institutions, the academic community, the private sector, partners and all other youth to embrace this University as a beacon of knowledge, unity and progress.
Together, we can ensure that it not only fulfills its mandate but also acts as a national catalyst for transformational development, the President declared.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, was quoted to have said that the University will prioritise interdisciplinary programmes in environmental science, clean energy, and sustainable technology, equipping students to tackle regional and national ecological issues.
The university’s establishment, according to Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, will address long-standing issues and efforts to restore Ogoniland.
Ribadu argued that inclusive development and environmental sustainability should be prioritized over Ogoniland.
Sen. Mpigi Barinada, leader of the Ogoni delegation, thanked the President for signing the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology.
He also praised NSA Ribadu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for their contributions to facilitating the passage of the bill.
Source: Channels TV
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