New varsity to tackle climate change

The Federal Government has said that Nigeria will soon produce additional expertise needed to address climate change and environmental degradation, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated this on Wednesday at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, Tai area of Rivers.

Represented by Mr Sunday Ajide, a director in the ministry, Alausa said climate change and environmental pollution had increasingly become serious global concerns.

According to him, the establishment of FUET is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and providing solutions to environmental challenges.

“FUET will promote environmental sustainability and address the unique ecological and developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region,” he said.

He added that the choice of environment and technology as the institution’s core mandate was both timely and strategic.

“In an era in which climate change, environmental degradation, renewable energy and sustainable development dominate global discourse, FUET is well positioned to become a centre of excellence in research, innovation and solutions-driven scholarship.

“The university will play a critical role in producing skilled professionals, researchers and leaders who will contribute meaningfully to national development and global environmental stewardship,” Alausa said.

The minister assured the institution of the full support of the Ministry of Education in the areas of policy guidance, infrastructural development, staff capacity building, programme accreditation and funding.

NAN