Youths from Ogoni in Rivers State have expressed their frustration over the ongoing delay in funding for the Federal University of Environmental Technology (FUET) by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The youths, organized under the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative (OYDI), highlighted that many students lack access to hostels and classrooms due to the failure to release funds for the implementation of projects at the university.
As a result, the youths have given the NNPCL a seven-day ultimatum, demanding that the funds be released immediately for the school’s proper functioning or they will initiate significant protests at its offices in Port Harcourt and Abuja.
During a press conference in Port Harcourt, the group conveyed their disappointment with what they termed NNPCL’s neglect to provide funding for the institution, despite a presidential directive that requires it initiate the renovation of the campus and secure funding for its launch.
During the briefing, the Global President of OYDI, Comr. Imeabe Saviour Oscar, pointed out that the creation of FUET is part of the confidence-building initiatives by the federal government to support the upcoming resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
He stated, “We have reliable information that one aspect of the confidence-building measures for restarting oil exploration in Ogoniland is the establishment of FUET, along with the directive from Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the NNPCL to oversee the renovation of the school and ensure funding for its commencement.
“However, we express our disappointment regarding NNPCL’s unwillingness to follow Mr. President’s instruction, as it has not fulfilled its financial obligations to contractors.
Various projects on campus are being executed, leading to many initiatives being left unfinished and contractors denying students and lecturers access to certain facilities due to unpaid dues.
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“A significant number of students currently lack accommodations, access to classroom buildings, and laboratories necessary for their studies. Project execution at the school has come to a complete standstill.”
The group accused the contractors managing different campus projects of not receiving payment, which has led to incomplete work and limited access to facilities.
OYDI stated that this situation represents a violation of the agreement between the Ogoni people and the Federal Government, highlighting that other institutions established around the same time have reportedly received funding, while FUET continues to lack financial support.
“We are strongly disapproving of this intentional act by the NNPCL to disrupt the smooth commencement of the institution by reneging on the agreement between the Ogoni people and the president.
“Other institutions established around the same time with FUET by the Federal Government have got funding for its operations but FUET is yet to get. As a body, we are being forced to view this as a deceit or deliberate action by the NNPCL to breach the terms of agreement with the Ogoni people,” Oscar said.
They warned that unless funds are released within seven days to settle contractors and advance development on campus, they would mobilise to occupy the gates of NNPCL offices in protest.
“Consequent upon this, we are giving the NNPCL a seven-day ultimatum to immediately release funds for payment of the contractors and development of the institution or risk us occupying the gates of your office.
“We are non-violent but we won’t however, allow our inheritance and the fruit of the labours of our slain heroes suffer neglect and abandonment.”
