Tinubu Approves Establishment of Environmental University in Ogoni

In a historic move underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and academic advancement, President Bola Tinubu has officially signed into law a bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Ogoni, Rivers State. This landmark decision, announced on Monday in Abuja, signifies a renewed pledge to bolster educational access and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.
According to a statement from Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the university will be situated in Tai, an Ogoni town with a deep-rooted history of ecological struggles and advocacy. The establishment of this institution, Tinubu emphasized, is not merely about academia—it is a resounding affirmation of his administration’s dedication to the Ogoni people and their long-standing quest for ecological restoration and sustainable development.
During the signing ceremony at the State House, President Tinubu reflected on the struggles of the Ogoni people, acknowledging their decades-long advocacy for environmental restoration and socio-economic inclusion.
“Today marks an epochal stride in our collective pursuit of environmental equity, intellectual empowerment, and sustainable progress,” Tinubu declared. “The Ogoni people have borne the brunt of environmental degradation for too long. This university is more than a center for learning; it is a beacon of renewal and a testament to our unwavering commitment to the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.”
The President further underscored the university’s role in addressing the environmental crises that have plagued the region for generations. He expressed confidence that the institution would serve as a citadel of innovation, equipping young Nigerians with specialized expertise in tackling pressing ecological challenges, driving clean energy initiatives, and steering the country towards a greener economic future.
President Tinubu extended his appreciation to the National Assembly, particularly the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives, for their due diligence in passing the bill. He also lauded the unwavering determination of the Ogoni delegation, commending their resilience in championing the cause of environmental justice.
“I recognize and commend your relentless advocacy,” he stated. “Rest assured, your perseverance will not go unrewarded. This university will stand as a lighthouse of knowledge, unity, and transformative progress.”
He called on stakeholders—including traditional rulers, academia, private sector players, and community youth—to actively support the institution’s growth, ensuring that it becomes a cornerstone of intellectual and environmental transformation.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, elaborated on the university’s academic focus, emphasizing its commitment to interdisciplinary research in environmental science, clean energy, and sustainable technology. He stressed that FUET would be instrumental in equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address regional and national ecological concerns.
Adding to the discourse, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu asserted that the establishment of FUET is not just an academic initiative but a crucial step in addressing long-standing grievances in Ogoniland. He reiterated the necessity of prioritizing inclusive development and environmental rejuvenation in the region.
Senator Mpigi Barinada, who led the Ogoni delegation, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his decisive action in making FUET a reality. He also acknowledged the pivotal roles played by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and NSA Ribadu in championing the bill’s passage.
Barinada noted that the establishment of the university represents a beacon of hope for Ogoni’s future, symbolizing an opportunity for renewed harmony, progress, and the healing of historical wounds.
“This university is more than bricks and mortar—it is a clarion call for peace, development, and knowledge-driven empowerment,” he remarked.
As Nigeria takes this critical step towards environmental education and justice, the Federal University of Environment and Technology is poised to become a cornerstone of transformative learning, research, and sustainable progress in the Niger Delta and beyond.