Oluwafunbi Bello 
DELTA, Nigeria – The Federal Government launches a specialised university to confront environmental degradation in the Niger Delta, inducting over 1,000 pioneer students barely a year after its establishment.
At its maiden matriculation ceremony on Wednesday, the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State formally welcomes students into six faculties, signalling a strategic shift towards education-driven environmental recovery.
Speaking through a ministry director, Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa says the institution reflects government resolve to expand access to quality tertiary education while addressing ecological damage caused by decades of oil exploration.
“FUET will promote environmental sustainability and respond directly to the Niger Delta’s unique ecological and developmental challenges,” Alausa says.
He pledges sustained federal backing, including infrastructure, staff development, programme accreditation and funding.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Prince Mmom says the university admits students into Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Engineering Technology, Applied Health Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Management Technology.
“Within five years, FUET will produce some of Nigeria’s finest environmental professionals,” Mmom says, adding that research will focus on ecosystem regeneration, environmental justice and community impact, particularly in Ogoniland.
University authorities issue strict warnings against cultism, sexual harassment, examination malpractice and drug abuse. Governing Council Chairman Professor Don Baridam announces zero tolerance for staff misconduct, including extortion and trading grades for money or sex.
“Lecturers must be visible on Google Scholar and ResearchGate. Non-performing academics will not thrive here,” Baridam warns.
The university’s launch comes amid persistent pollution, loss of livelihoods and public health challenges across the Niger Delta, positioning FUET as a policy-backed response to one of Nigeria’s most enduring environmental crises.
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Korede Abdullah 
Chukwu Obinna 
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu 
