The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has approved the release of a Rivers State University (RSU) campus in Kira, Ogoniland, for the takeoff of the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology.
Governor Fubara disclosed this during the inspection of the facility as requested by the National Security Adviser; to make the property available to facilitate the university’s commencement.
He emphasized that while written information on the status of the property had been provided by RSU, he deemed it necessary to conduct an on-site assessment before making a final decision.
“From what we have seen, this is a well-planned facility, and I strongly believe it is suitable for the takeoff of this university,” Fubara stated.
The Governor reaffirmed that the property belongs to Rivers State University, which in turn belongs to the Rivers State Government, making the State the only authority with the power to approve its release. He assured all stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu, who approved the institution, and the National Security Adviser, that an official letter of release would follow after the visit.
Governor Fubara highlighted the three key benefits the university would bring to the region:
1. Development—Boosting economic and infrastructural growth.
2. Education—Enhancing access to higher learning, particularly for the Ogoni people.
3. Environmental Solutions—Providing a platform for research on pressing environmental issues in the Niger Delta.
He praised RSU for maintaining the facility and acknowledged that some of its structures had recently undergone renovations. He assured the university that a new campus would be built for RSU to replace the one being allocated for the Federal University.
“It is a great honour that this noble initiative is being established in our time. We thank all those who played a role in making it a reality,” the Governor added.
The Federal University of Environment and Technology is expected to play a crucial role in tackling the environmental challenges affecting Ogoniland, Rivers State and the Niger Delta region which have been heavily impacted by oil exploration and pollution.
