NNPCL Faces Backlash Over Ogoni University Funding Snub

The Ogoni Youths Development Initiative (OYDI), has decried the alleged refusal of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to fund the newly – established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State

The group said it is aware that the establishment of FUET and the renovation of it’s structures as well as funding for it’s take-off by NNPCL was part of the confidence building measures for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni.

It, therefore, gave a seven-day ultimatum to the management of NNPCL to immediately release funds for payment of the contractors and development of the institution or face the risk of their office being occupied by Ogoni youths.

OYDI, in a letter dated Monday, March 2, 2026 and addressed to the group chief executive officer of the company, a copy of which was made available to LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt, accused NNPCL of deliberately attempting to trauncate the smooth take-off of the institution.

The letter, which was signed by the group’s global president, Comrade Saviour Oscar Imeade, was copied to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the director-general, Department of State Services (DSS), amongst others.

It reads in part, “We wish to convey our deepest sadness over the refusal of the NNPCL under your watch to find the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoniland. We have it in good account that part of the confidence building measures for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland is the establishment of FUET and with the mandate of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that the NNPCL should take over the renovation of the school and also provide funding for it’s take-off.

“However, we note with great dismay the refusal of NNPCL to heed to Mr. President’s directive as it has refused to pay contractors executing various projects in the campus leading to many projects being abandoned and contractors locking out students and lecturers from accessing some facilities due to non-payment.

“So many students are currently without hostels, classroom blocks, laboratories for studies. Everything about project execution is now at a stalemate in the school.

“We frown deeply at this deliberate actions by the NNPCL to truncate the smooth take-off of the institution by reneging on the agreement between the Ogoni people and the president.

“Other institutions established around same time with FUET by the federal government have got funding for it’s operations but FUET is yet to get. As a body, we are being forced to view this as a deciet or deliberate actions by the NNPCL to breach terms of agreement with the Ogoni people.

“Consequent upon this, we are giving NNPCL a seven-day ultimatum to immediately release funds for payment of the contractors and development of the institution of risk is occupying the gates of your office. We are non-violent but we won’t however, allow our inheritance and the fruit of labours of our slain heroes suffer neglect and abandonment.”