President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of key officials to lead the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology located in Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni, Rivers State.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the appointments include the Pro-Chancellor, members of the Governing Council, and principal officers who will pioneer the academic and administrative operations of the institution.

Prof. Don Mon Baridam, an accomplished professor of Management with a focus on Organisational Behaviour, has been named the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. Baridam is a respected academic who previously served at the University of Port Harcourt.

Appointed as the university’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor is Prof. Chinedu Mmom, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, also at the University of Port Harcourt. Mmom brings academic and administrative experience, having served as the former Commissioner for Education in Rivers State.

The diverse Governing Council reflects Nigeria’s federal character, with members drawn from across the country. The appointees include:

Mr. Emmanuel Onoja (North Central)

Mr. Hamid Adekunle (South West)

Prof. Chima Oji (South East)

Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Lamda (North West)

In addition to the council, President Tinubu also appointed key principal officers for the institution’s core administrative roles. Dr. Mpigi Monday Douglas from the South-South will serve as the Registrar, Zoryii Josco Nwaimanie from the North Central will assume duties as Bursar, while Dr. Saghanen Ntogo G. B., also from the South-South, has been named the University Librarian.

The Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni, is scheduled to admit its first set of students in September 2025. The institution was established by an Act of Parliament signed into law by President Tinubu on February 3, 2025.