Bill establishing Federal University of Environmental Technology passes second reading in Senate

Senate on Wednesday passed a bill for an act to establish Federal University of Environmental Technology, Saakpenwa Ogoni, Rivers state.

The bill seeks to profer an enlightened, sustainable and confidence-building solution to the people of Ogoni land in Rivers state and its environs.

In the lead debate, in the Sponsor of the bill, Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP Rivers South-East) said, The Establishment of the institution would reconcile injuries done today the people.

“Mr President and distinguished colleagues, I share strongly in the desire to provide a credible platform for national reconciliation and healings to build confidence for sustainable solutions to our national challenges and shortcomings.

“Thus, I hereby bring forward this bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Environmental Technology, Saakpenwa, Tai Ogoni, Rivers State for the benefits of its people and service to humanity.

“We need no further conviction and proof that this University, when established, will train and apply a multi-disciplinary approach of knowledge dissemination and technical innovations including Renewable Energy technology, Environmental Engineering and Technology, Mineralogy, Oceanography, Geographical Information System and Geodesy, Electronic Environmental Monitoring and Waste Management as well as Industrial Toxicology, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Analysis, Decontamination Technologies and Assessment of Environmental Impacts.

“You are all aware and conversant with the Oil history of Ogoniland and the manifest devastation of the Ogoni environment and loss of sustainable economic livelihood due to oil exploration and exploitations in the area since 1958.

“It was indeed, in recognition of these environmental injustice to the Ogoni people and communities that compelled the Federal Government of Nigeria in consultation with other stakeholders, to request the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to conduct an independent assessment of the environment and public health impacts of oil contamination in Ogoniland, in the Niger Delta, and options for remediation,” Barinada said.

Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan referred the bill to Senate Committee on Education and Tertiary Institutions for further legislation.