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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the Kira Campus of Rivers State University in Tai Local Government Area as the temporary site for the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, recently approved by President Bola Tinubu.
Fubara made this announcement on Thursday during an inspection visit to the Kira Campus to assess the condition of its facilities.
He assured that the existing infrastructure, recently renovated by RSU management, along with the vast land available, would adequately support the university’s take-off and facilitate smooth academic activities.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and made available to journalists.
The governor was accompanied on the inspection tour by RSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Okogbule Nlerum; Tai Local Government Chairman, Hon. Matthew Dike; and former RSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barineme Fakae.
Request from NSA, state’s approval
The governor explained that his visit was prompted by a formal request from the National Security Adviser to consider and approve the Kira Campus as the take-off site for the new federal university.
“This is one of the campuses of Rivers State University, and we received a request from the National Security Adviser appealing to the state government to release this facility for the take-off of the newly approved University of Environment and Technology,” Fubara stated.
He noted that while the state government had already written to RSU management to obtain updates on the condition of the structures, he felt it was necessary to conduct a physical inspection before making a final decision.
State to formally handover to FG
Fubara stressed that the property belongs to RSU under the Rivers State Government, making it the state’s prerogative — through the university—to formally release the facility to the Federal Government.
“We want to assure all stakeholders, especially President Tinubu, who approved this university, and the National Security Adviser, who facilitated the process, that we have released it.
“After this visit, we will officially transmit a letter of release for the take-off of the university,” he affirmed.
The governor commended all those involved in securing the university’s approval and praised RSU for maintaining the campus in excellent condition.
While RSU initially planned to maximise the use of the campus, he clarified that the federal university’s establishment takes precedence, allowing learning activities to commence.
Meanwhile, Fubara highlighted the far-reaching benefits of the new university to Rivers State and Ogoniland, stating that it would drive economic development in the region, enhance educational opportunities for the Ogoni people—especially in environmental studies — and serve as a research hub to address environmental challenges in the region.
“We know this region has significant environmental issues. This university will not only provide solutions but will also stand as a legacy of our time,” the governor concluded.
