The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas, has pledged to support the smooth and successful takeoff of the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology, FUET, in Ogoniland.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by FUET’s Governing Council and Management team at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, September 9, the Sole Administrator, while congratulating the pioneer council and management team on their appointments, described their task as both a recognition of individual accomplishment and a historic call to duty.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibas commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the specialised university in Ogoniland, describing the initiative as timely and strategic.
He emphasised that the university’s presence offers a critical opportunity to drive research, innovation, and community-focused solutions to the region’s pressing environmental and developmental challenges.
Sole Administrator Ibas assured immediate state support in critical areas essential for the university’s commencement, especially the provision of operational vehicles, key facilities, and the completion of the access road to the campus.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibas noted that other vital needs, such as perimeter fencing, refuse disposal, and the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, would be addressed within the framework of the state’s broader infrastructure and support programmes.
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The Sole Administrator directed the Secretary of the State Government to work closely with the university’s governing council to prioritise the sequence of requests, particularly those tied to the commencement of academic activities in September 2025.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Don Baridam, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community development.
He explained that the Federal Government has directed the institution to commence its academic session in September 2025 formally, and preparations are in full swing to ensure a smooth start with adequate infrastructure and resources in place.
The high-level delegation, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Professor Don Baridam, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedu Mmom, appreciated the Rivers State government for the warm reception and collaboration to enable the institution to begin early operations.
