The Ogoni Youths Development Initiative (OYDI) has given the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) a seven-day ultimatum to release funds for the Federal University of Environment Technology (FUET), Ogoni, citing alleged non-funding of the institution.
Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, OYDI’s Global President, said during a press briefing in Port Harcourt that the group was deeply disappointed over NNPCL’s failure to fund FUET, which he said was part of confidence-building measures tied to the planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni land.
The youth group explained that FUET’s establishment was part of agreements addressing long-standing regional concerns, with a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordering NNPCL to manage the university’s renovation and ensure funding for its take-off.
OYDI alleged that NNPCL has ignored the directive, failing to pay contractors, which has led to abandoned projects and restricted access for students and lecturers to some facilities. Many students reportedly lack hostels, classrooms, and laboratories, while project execution at the university has stalled.
The group described the situation as a deliberate attempt to undermine the university’s progress and accused NNPCL of reneging on agreements with the Ogoni people. It also noted that other institutions established around the same period have reportedly received operational funding, while FUET has yet to get any.
OYDI’s seven-day ultimatum demands immediate release of funds for contractors and development of the institution. The group warned that failure to comply could spark a peaceful protest, including occupying the gates of NNPCL’s office.
“We are non-violent, but we will not allow our inheritance and the fruit of the labours of our slain heroes to suffer neglect and abandonment,” the statement read.
