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By: Pius Dukor
Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, FUET, Sakpeewaa/ Koroma , Ogoni, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmon has the said the Ogonis exhibited wisdom in demanding for a university from the Federal Government as part of the demand for environmental justice.
He made the remark at the Maiden Founders’ Day/ Matriculation ceremony of the university held at the Saakpenwa campus in Tai local government Area.
Prof. Mmon explained that the University asked by the Ogoni people in demanding for environmental justice will in the future bring development and social transformation to the area.
In his address at the event, with the Theme: “Trailblazers and Pace-Setters” the Vice Chancellor announced that a total of 1,026 students spreading across six faculties matriculated.
” Today’s maiden Matriculation Ceremony marks a very significant step by those applicant who sought to be part of a focused community scholars , innovators, and leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in Rivers State” he said.
The Vice Chancellor promised that the university will produce quality education and stated his preparedness for the job.
He called on the people of Ogoni and others to support the university especially by investing in the development.
Mmon while thanking President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the university, noted that the President has expressed his love for Ogoni people.
He thanked the communities , stakeholders and Ogoni people for supporting the university. He used the event to unveil a N5 Billion Research and Development Endowment Fund.
He however, said there were many years of neglect of the Ogoni people by past federal government administration’s but the university is among confidence building measures by the federal government to the people of Ogoni.
In his Goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa represented by Mr. Sunday Jide, stated that the event is very historic and a milestone, and a clear demonstration of quality and higher education to address years of environmental degradation in an era where climate change dominate global discuss, saying that the university will play a critical role in solving the challenges through the students.
In his speech, the Pro-Chancellor of the University Prof. Don. Baridam titled ” A Life Changing Experience ,” explained that the matriculation is a life changing experience for the students. He charged them to study their books, acquire knowledge and new skill to solve the challenges of the world.
Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Chief Lesi Maol said as a practitioner of the environment, the students should know the difference between study and learning, urging the students to strive to transform the world to a better place.
Maol who is the President of KAGOTE a Socio- cultural organisation in Ogoni stated that training and research is very key to the development of the University . He donated the sum of 100 million naira to support the University.
