By: Felix Ikpotor
Youths of Ogoni extraction in Rivers State have lamented the delay in funding of the Federal University of Environmental Technology (FUET) by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The youths under the aegis of Ogoni Youths Development Initiative (OYDI) said so many students are without hostels and classrooms due to non-release of funds for project execution in the school.
Consequently, the youths have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the NNPCL, demanding the immediate release of funds for the smooth running of the school or face massive protests at its Port Harcourt and Abuja offices.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Port Harcourt, the group expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as NNPCL’s failure to fund the institution despite a presidential directive mandating the company to undertake renovation of the campus and finance its commencement.
Speaking at the briefing, Global President of OYDI, Comr. Imeabe Saviour Oscar, noted that the establishment of FUET was part of the confidence-building measures by the federal to facilitate the planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.
He said, “We have it in good account that part of the confidence-building measures for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni land is the establishment of FUET and with the mandate of Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the NNPCL should take over the renovation of the school and also provide funding for its take-off.
“However, we note with great dismay the refusal of NNPCL to heed to Mr President’s directive as it has refused to pay contractors executing various projects in the campus leading to many projects being abandoned and contractors locking out students and lecturers from accessing some facilities due to non-payment.
“So many students are currently without hostels, classroom blocks, laboratories for studies. Everything about project execution is now at a stalemate in the school.”
The group alleged that contractors handling various campus projects have not been paid, resulting in abandoned works and restricted access to facilities.
OYDI described the development as a breach of understanding between the Ogoni people and the Federal Government, noting that other institutions established around the same period have reportedly received funding, while FUET remains without financial backing.
“We frown deeply at this deliberate action by the NNPCL to truncate the smooth take-off of the institution by reneging on the agreement between the Ogoni people and the president.
“Other institutions established around the same time with FUET by the Federal Government have got funding for its operations but FUET is yet to get.
“As a body, we are being forced to view this as a deceit or deliberate action by the NNPCL to breach the terms of agreement with the Ogoni people,” Oscar said.
They warned that unless funds are released within seven days to settle contractors and advance development on campus, they would mobilise to occupy the gates of NNPCL offices in protest.
“Consequent upon this, we are giving the NNPCL a seven-day ultimatum to immediately release funds for payment of the contractors and development of the institution or risk us occupying the gates of your office.
“We are non-violent but we won’t however, allow our inheritance and the fruit of the labours of our slain heroes suffer neglect and abandonment.”
