Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the release of the Kira Campus of the Rivers State University (RSU) to facilitate the immediate take-off of the newly approved Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland.

Fubara made the declaration on Thursday, February 27, 2025 during a visit to the Kira Campus in Tai Local Government Area of the State, where he assessed the existing infrastructure and land availability for the new institution.

The Governor explained that the decision followed a formal request from the Office of the National Security Adviser, seeking the state’s approval to utilize the facility for the federal university’s commencement.

“This is one of the campuses of the Rivers State University, and we got a request from the National Security Adviser, appealing to the State Government to release this facility for the take-off of the just-approved University of Environment and Technology to Rivers people, more especially the Ogoni people because it is sited in Kira, in Ogoniland”.

He noted that while RSU had plans for the structures, the state government prioritized the federal government’s request, emphasizing the broader benefits the new university would bring.

“We are doing this because this university will bring development, raise the educational status of the Ogoni people, especially on environmental issues and serve as a critical study center for environmental impact challenges in the region”.

Fubara assured that after the site inspection, his administration would formally transmit an official release letter to the Federal Government, allowing the university to begin operations.

The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Chairman of Tai LGA, Matthew Dike, Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Professor Okogbule Nlerum, and one of his predecessors, Prof. Barineme Fakae.

The establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology was approved by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, marking a significant step in addressing environmental concerns and expanding educational opportunities in Ogoniland.