Old Boys hail Vice Chancellor’s vision, say new university is on firm foundation
Members of the County Grammar School, Ikwerre-Etche, Old Boys Association have expressed confidence that the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State, is on a strong footing with the appointment of Professor Chinedu Mmom as its pioneer Vice Chancellor.
During a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor at the university’s liaison office in Port Harcourt last Tuesday, the association described the appointment as a masterstroke, noting that the professor’s proven academic pedigree and administrative acumen provide assurance that the young university will thrive.
‘A Befitting Appointment’
Led by its National President, Venerable Bekwele Wabara (Rtd), the association lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing “an erudite scholar with a distinguished record in environmental studies and public service.”
Wabara described Mmom’s appointment as “befitting, spectacular, and a deserving recognition of his professional excellence and global academic standing.”
He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his role in supporting the appointment, saying the choice of Mmom — an alumnus of County Grammar School, Ikwerre-Etche — has inspired pride among the school’s Old Boys.
“Professor Mmom is one of our brightest products, a distinguished Old Boy who has continued to make us proud,” Wabara said. “From his deliberate planning to his firm administrative approach, we can already see that FUET Ogoni is taking off on a firm foundation.”
Confidence in a Bright Start
The alumni president said the association was particularly proud of the Vice Chancellor’s efforts to ensure that the university commences academic activities in the 2025/2026 academic session.
Also speaking during the visit, a former president of the association, Professor Emenike Wami, said Mmom’s leadership style, built over decades of academic and administrative experience, would guarantee a successful take-off.
“Knowing your track record, there’s no doubt that this new university will be well-grounded and future-ready,” Wami said.
Also seaking, the National Vice President, Chief Vincent Erinwo, said optimism had remained high since Mmom’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver on his mandate.
“He has hit the ground running, and his leadership gives us hope that FUET Ogoni will soon become a model of academic excellence,” Erinwo added.
Tribute and Condolence:
The association also used the visit to condole with the Vice Chancellor over the death of his father, Elder Godfrey O. C. Mmom, who passed on at the age of 79.
Members prayed for the repose of his soul and praised the late elder for laying a moral and spiritual foundation that shaped his children’s achievements.
‘In Two Years, the World Will Hear About This University’
In his response, Professor Mmom thanked the alumni body for their solidarity visit and described their show of support as deeply motivating. He assured them that the management of the university was working in harmony to build a credible institution that will soon become a national reference point.
“We are building an institution that will stand out for innovation, integrity, and impact,” Mmom said. “In two years, the world will hear about this university.”
He pledged to uphold the values of hard work, discipline, and vision that County Grammar School instilled in him and others, and urged the association to continue supporting educational development.
Mmom also thanked members for their condolences over his father’s passing and invited them to participate in giving him a befitting farewell.
The visit ended with prayers for divine guidance, wisdom, and strength for the Vice Chancellor and his management team as they steer the new institution toward excellence.
About FUET Ogoni
The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni, Rivers State, is one of Nigeria’s newest specialized universities established by the Federal Government to advance research and innovation in environmental sciences, technology, and sustainable development. The institution aims to serve as a centre of excellence for ecological research and technical education, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
Profile: Professor Chinedu Mmom
Professor Chinedu Mmom, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of FUET Ogoni, is an accomplished environmental scholar and administrator with over three decades of experience in academia and public service.
A former Dean and Head of Department at the Rivers State University, Mmom has published extensively on environmental management, sustainability, and policy development. He is also a proud alumnus of County Grammar School, Ikwerre-Etche, where he has remained an active mentor and benefactor.
