Youth groups from Ogoniland on Monday staged a protest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, accusing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of neglecting the development of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Saakpenwa.
The protesters, operating under the aegis of the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative in collaboration with the South-South Youths Initiative, marched through major streets of Port Harcourt, demanding immediate funding and support for the institution.
During the demonstration, the youths carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “NNPC Pay FUET Contractors,” “NNPC Adhere to Mr President’s Directive,” “NNPC Fund Our Ogoni University,” and “Ogoni University Must Be Funded by NNPCL.”
The groups alleged that the national oil company had failed to comply with a directive reportedly issued by President Bola Tinubu for the company to provide financial support for the university.
Addressing the protesters, the Global President of the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, said the Federal Government established the university on February 3, 2025, with the expectation that NNPCL would fund its take-off and development.
According to him, the delay in releasing the expected funds has stalled critical infrastructure projects needed for the effective operation of the institution.
“As we speak, no funds have been released to the university as directed by the President. Students do not have access to lecture halls, laboratories, or hostel facilities. Contractors who undertook projects at the university are also stranded after taking loans to execute the work,” he said.
Oscar further alleged that contractors handling projects at the university began work following instructions from NNPCL management but have yet to receive payment.
“The students are stranded, contractors are stranded. These contractors took out loans for the project at that school. NNPCL, led by Bashir Bayo Ojulari, directed that the project should go ahead,” he added.
He expressed concern that the situation had placed students, contractors and the university management in difficult circumstances, describing it as unfair to the people of Ogoniland.
Oscar also linked the establishment of the university to discussions surrounding the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, urging the Federal Government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the development and welfare of the area.
The youth leader warned that Monday’s protest was only a warning demonstration, stressing that the groups would intensify their actions if their demands were not addressed.
