The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, has formally commenced academic activities with the admission of 1,004 pioneer students into 28 departments across six faculties.
The Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, JP, DSSRS, announced this on Monday during a media briefing, where he also unveiled plans for the institution’s maiden matriculation ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Professor Mmom described the commencement of academic activities as a historic milestone for FUET, Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta region, noting that the institution was established to drive environmental restoration, technological innovation and sustainable development.
According to him, the pioneer students have been admitted into the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, and the Faculty of Management Technology.
He explained that although FUET was not initially listed in the 2025/2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the university obtained approval for candidates to transfer their admissions. Over 2,000 applicants sought admission, but only 1,004 were accepted in line with the institution’s approved carrying capacity.
The Vice Chancellor outlined a three-day programme of activities to mark the Founders’ Day and maiden matriculation. Activities will commence on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with a Thanksgiving and Spiritual Dedication Service at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Tai Archdeaconry, at 10 a.m.
On Monday, February 2, 2026, a Founders’ Day Roadshow will be held from the Saakpenwa Campus to Gbam Junction, aimed at public engagement and promoting environmental stewardship.
The climax of the events will be the matriculation ceremony on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the FUET Auditorium. Highlights include the unveiling of the Kenule Saro-Wiwa Statue and the commissioning of the Kenule Saro-Wiwa Auditorium by the Special Guest of Honour, Eze Ogba, the Oba of Ogbaland. A Founders’ Day Lecture will also be delivered by Emeritus Professor Joseph A. Ajienka, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt.
Professor Mmom further disclosed that the university will launch a ₦5 billion Research and Development Endowment Fund to support innovation, translational research and sustainable development initiatives.
He said FUET was established following the signing of its enabling law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on February 3, 2025. The university currently operates two campuses at Koroma and Saakpenwa, with the Koroma community donating a large expanse of land for future expansion, including demonstration farms and agricultural laboratories.
On institutional readiness, the Vice Chancellor revealed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) carried out resource verification of the university’s programmes on September 16, 2025, and that curricula have been developed in line with the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards. He added that renovation of inherited facilities was carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, while recruitment of pioneer staff is at an advanced stage.
However, Professor Mmom lamented that the university is yet to receive any take-off grant or allocation from the Federal Government, Rivers State Government or development partners. He identified key challenges to include inadequate accommodation for principal officers, limited lecture theatres and laboratories, unstable electricity supply, transportation between campuses and the need to strengthen security infrastructure.
He called on stakeholders, host communities, development partners and the media to support the institution during its formative years, expressing optimism that FUET will evolve into a world-class centre for environmental restoration, sustainable development and technological innovation.
The maiden matriculation ceremony is expected to attract representatives of federal and state government agencies, traditional rulers, regulatory bodies, industry leaders and academic institutions from across the country.
