FG-Approved Environment University Set to Operate from RSU Kira Campus — Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that the newly approved Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, authorized by President Bola Tinubu, will commence operations at the Kira Campus of Rivers State University (RSU).

Governor Fubara made this announcement during his visit to the Kira Campus of RSU, where he inspected the state of existing facilities and infrastructure located in Tai Local Government Area on Thursday.

Governor Fubara explained that the existing buildings, which were recently refurbished by the RSU management, along with the ample land available, will adequately accommodate and facilitate the smooth start of academic activities at the Federal University of Environment and Technology.

The Rivers State Governor toured the campus alongside RSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Okogbule Nlerum, Tai Council Chairman, Hon. Matthew Dike, and former RSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barineme Fakae.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara clarified that his inspection of the Kira Campus was prompted by a request from the Office of the National Security Adviser, asking his office to consider and approve the campus for use by the new federal university.

The governor said: “This is one of the campuses of the Rivers State University, and we got a request from the National Security Adviser, appealing to the State Government to release this facility for the take-off of the just-approved University of Environment and Technology for Rivers people, more especially the Ogoni people, because it is sited in Kira, in Ogoniland.”

Fubara detailed how the State Government officially notified the management of Rivers State University, which oversees the facility, seeking updates on the current condition of the structures on the campus.

He said, “They have already given us written information, but I felt it is proper for us to come and do a physical assessment, and that is what we just did. From what we are seeing, it is a well-planned place, and I strongly believe that it is suitable for the take-off of this university.”

Fubara made it clear that the property belongs to Rivers State University, under the ownership of the Rivers State Government, meaning that only the university, with the state’s authority, has the right to formally hand over the property to the Federal Government.

He said: “And we can assure the interested parties, more especially the President, who, out of his own goodwill, has approved this university, and the National Security Adviser, who requested it, that we have released it. After this meeting here, we will officially transmit a letter of release for the take-off of this university.”

Fubara expressed gratitude to all individuals and groups who played roles in initiating the process and ensuring the eventual approval of the Federal University, while also commending Rivers State University for maintaining the campus structures in good condition, as observed during the inspection.

He noted that RSU had initially planned to fully utilize the structures, but quickly clarified that following the Federal Government’s request and the university’s approval, the new federal institution can now begin academic activities.

He stated: “We are doing this because, at the end of the day, what this university is going to do for us here is three major things: It will bring development; it will increase the status of the educational level of the Ogoni people, more especially on this issue of environmental impact.

“We know we have a lot of problems around this axis of the region on issues of environment and all related issues, but this university is going to serve as a study group. And thirdly, it is an honour that in our own time, this noble initiative was established,” he added.