President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Federal University of Environmental Technology (FUET) in Ogoniland, Rivers State. The institution will be situated in Tai, one of the prominent towns in the Ogoni region.
The establishment of FUET is a significant move to confront the environmental degradation that has plagued Ogoniland for decades. The region has suffered extensive pollution due to oil exploration activities, leading to contaminated water sources, devastated farmlands, and adverse health effects among the local population. A 2011 assessment by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed that in at least 10 Ogoni communities, drinking water was contaminated with high levels of hydrocarbons, posing serious public health threats.
The new university is expected to focus on environmental research and technology, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to develop sustainable solutions for ecological restoration and conservation. This initiative aligns with the federal government’s commitment to righting past wrongs and fostering inclusive development in regions that have experienced environmental neglect.
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and local traditional rulers have lauded President Tinubu’s decision, viewing it as a positive step toward environmental justice and the socio-economic advancement of the Ogoni community.
The establishment of FUET is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the environmental remediation of Ogoniland, providing a hub for research, education, and the development of innovative technologies to address the region’s ecological challenges.