President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law a bill establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology, Ogoni, in Rivers State, further expanding Nigeria’s network of federal tertiary institutions.
The special adviser to the president on policy communication, Daniel Bwala, who announced this in a tweet on his verified X handle on Monday described the move as a testament to the administration’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering inclusive national development.
Bwala noted that the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu prioritizes equity and the establishment of institutions that prevent regional neglect in developmental projects.
In signing the bill, he observed that Ogoni has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s development and agitation and has suffered environmental degradation.
He said the establishment of the university “is more than the creation of a university,” but “it is a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the people of Ogoni, the Niger Delta, and the entire nation as a whole.”
President Tinubu added: “For decades, the Ogoni people have been at the forefront of fight for environmental restoration and sustainable development, shaping both national and global conversation of these critical issues.
“By signing this bill into law, we are taking a decisive step towards addressing historical grievances and creating new opportunities for learning, growth, and prosperity.
“The university will serve as a center of excellence, equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skill to tackle present environmental challenges, drive clean energy solutions, and contribute to our national sustainable economic development.”
Tinubu thanked the National Assembly for seeing the bill through and also commended the Ogoni delegation, who said that their “steadfast advocacy for justice and building the confidence of our people in a peaceful manner is encouraging and it will be rewarding, I assure you.”
He urged all the stakeholders, traditional institutions, the academic community, the private sector, partners, and all other youth to embrace the university as “a beacon of knowledge, unity, and progress.”
“Together, we will ensure that it not only fulfills its mandate but also stands as a catalyst for transformational development across the country,” President Tinubu stated.
The new permanent secretaries sworn in by the president are: Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Igenelandu (Abia), Mr. Random Philip Ebiogeh (Bayelsa), Anuma Nlia (Ebonyi State), Ogbodo Nnam (Enugu State), and Kalba Usman (Gombe State). Others are Usman Aminu (Kebbi State), Oyekunle Nwakuso (Rivers State), and Nadungu Gagare (Kaduna State).
The RMAFC commissioners, whose appointments were confirmed by the Senate last August, include Linda Oti (Abia), Akpan Effiong (Akwa Ibom), Enefe Ekene (Anambra), Prof. Steve Ugba (Benue), Chief Eyo Nsa (Cross River), Aruviere Egharhevwe (Delta), Nduka Awuregu (Ebonyi), Victor Eboigbe (Edo), Wumi Ogunlola (Ekiti), Ozo Obodougo (Enugu), and Kabir Mashi (Katsina).
Others are Adamu Fanda (Kano), Dr. Kunle Wright (Lagos), Aliyu Abdulkadir (Nasarawa), Bako Shetima (Niger), Nathaniel Adejutelegan (Ondo), Saad Ibrahim (Plateau), Modu-Aji Juluri (Yobe), Bello Garba (Zamfara), and Mohammed Usman (Gombe)
Former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Kayode Oladele, was sworn in as a member of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), representing Ogun State
Mrs Olukemi Victoria Iyantan (Ondo) was also sworn in as commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC).
President Tinubu urged the newly inaugurated permanent secretaries and commissioners to uphold diligence, innovation, and commitment in the discharge of their duties, emphasizing the importance of their roles in advancing the administration’s governance and development agenda.
