Ogoni youths in Rivers State have threatened to stage a series of protests over the alleged failure to fund the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) located in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, had earlier raised concerns during a press briefing in February to mark the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony. He disclosed that since FUET was established through a bill signed into law by Bola Tinubu on February 2, 2025, the institution had not received any take-off grant or allocation.
Expressing their dissatisfaction, the youths under the umbrella of the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative (OYDI) issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), demanding the immediate release of funds to the university. They warned that failure to comply would result in the shutdown of NNPCL offices in Port Harcourt and Abuja.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Sunday, OYDI President, Imeabe Saviour, revealed that the group had previously written to the Group Chief Executive of the NNPCL and the Office of the National Security Adviser regarding the institution’s financial challenges.
Saviour emphasized that proper funding would enable the university to operate effectively, noting that contractors handling projects on campus have not been paid. He also highlighted the lack of adequate hostels, classrooms, and laboratories, which has limited the school’s capacity to accommodate students.
According to him, following discussions between Ogoni leaders and the Federal Government over the planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, the NNPCL was directed to renovate the university’s temporary site and provide financial support as part of confidence-building measures.
Addressing the NNPCL leadership, Saviour expressed disappointment over what he described as the company’s refusal to comply with the President’s directive. He alleged that contractors have abandoned projects due to non-payment, with some reportedly restricting access to facilities for students and lecturers.
He further lamented that while other federal institutions established around the same period have received operational funding, FUET remains without financial support.
Describing the situation as a potential breach of the agreement between the Ogoni people and the Federal Government, Saviour reiterated the group’s seven-day ultimatum. He maintained that although the group is committed to peaceful action, it would not stand by while the institution suffers neglect.