Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has appointed the Pro-Chancellor, governing council members, and principal officers of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni, in Rivers. This development marks a significant step towards operationalizing the institution.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, this information was disclosed in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. The statement announced the appointment of Prof. Don Mon Baridam as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, and Prof. Chinedu Mmom as the Vice-Chancellor. Both appointees hail from the South-South region.

Prof. Don Mon Baridam, a professor of Management specializing in Organisational Behaviour, previously taught at the University of Port Harcourt. Prof. Chinedu Mmom, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Port Harcourt, also served as a former Commissioner for Education in Rivers.

The Governing Council includes a team from various regions of Nigeria. Members are Mr. Emmanuel Onoja from North Central, Mr. Hamid Adekunle from South West, Prof. Chima Oji from South East, and Alhaji Abdullahi Lamda from North West.

Dr. Mpigi Douglas from South South will serve as the Registrar, Zoryii Nwaimanie from North Central will be the Bursar, and Dr. Saghanen Ntogo from South/South will take on the role of Librarian. Onanuga highlighted that President Tinubu has appointed a team of professionals to play key roles at the university.

The newly established university is set to admit its first cohort of students in September. This follows President Tinubu’s signing of the bill establishing the university into law on February 3.