One basic fact of life is that change is always permanent. For Nigeria, the issues of high-level youth unemployment, climate change, and industrial underdevelopment, which have continued to pose fundamental challenges to nation-building and growth, are about to be tackled headlong.
The signing into law, the establishment of the first University of Environment and Technology in Nigeria and the subsequent appointment of key officers for the institution situated in Ogoni, Rivers State is one step that has the potential of igniting Nigeria’s journey towards socio- economic growth.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who gave the nod for the establishment of the university in Rivers State late last month, appointed the Governing Council and principal officers to enable the university to commence academic activities this year. Among those appointed were Prof Don Mon Baridam, a management expert and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.
Also from the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Chinedu Mmom, a professor of Geography and Environmental Management, a researcher and scholar listed among the first Eight Hundred(800) scientific Researchers in Nigeria by Google Scholar, H-index and Citations, 2015 edition was named the Vice Chancellor.
It is a known fact that a Vice Chancellor in a university is the architect and chief driver of a university’s birth and early growth. He is expected to lay the structural academic and cultural foundation that will determine the future of the new university. His task includes setting the vision and establishing the reputation that will define the school in the years to come.
The establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Rivers State is a dream come true for the people of the Niger Delta region and the country at large. It would not only address the core issues of the environment, but also be a hub for innovation and human capital development, with its core objective of training future scientists, engineers, environmentalists, and tech innovators. It is not in doubt, that for Nigeria to develop and strive to close the industrialization gap with advanced countries, these are the professionals needed to rejig the economy and enable the people to confront issues like energy transmission, pollution control, smart agriculture and digital infrastructure.
Moreover, the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni would not only act as an economic catalyst for overall development as the local economy would receive a boost, it would help Nigeria meet its international climate obligations as it will serve as a research centre for climate and climatology.
For such a university with great potentials to commence on a strong footing and build a firm foundation that would enable it attract researchers and funding from across the globe, it was only proper that a seasoned academic, sound administrator, charismatic, and innovative leader be drafted to actualize the dreams of those who clamoured for the establishment of a university that would help solve the environmental challenges of the Niger Delta and Nigeria. Professor Chinedu Mmom is that dream Vice Chancellor. He is a class act in academics and administration as examplified from the numerous positions he has held in the past.
His published profile says it all.
Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, JP, DSSRS is distinguished academic, an erudite scholar and an astute Administrator. He is a very disciplined personality with a good moral upbringing from a Christian home. He is very hardworking, dedicated to duty, self-motivated and prides himself with integrity. He possesses sound emotional, physical and mental dispositions. His goal in life is to be a famous (World Class) academic and administrator; a character builder and human capital developer.
Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom is a Professor of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt. Prof. Mmom is a researcher and scholar listed among the first Eight Hundred (800) Scientific Researchers in Nigeria by Google Scholar, H-index and Citations, 2015 edition. He was the Director, Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies [CDRMDS], a University of Port Harcourt and National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA] collaborative initiative. Professor Mmom is currently the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt (two term Dean).
President Tinubu signing into law the bill establishing the university of environment and technology
He was a Research Advisor, Ogoni Restoration Project, the Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited, Port Harcourt, 2014. During his appointment, he developed additional index for measuring successful remediation of contaminated soil using vegetables as bio-indicators. He is an Adjunct Scholar, Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, University of Port Harcourt, Adjunct Scholar, Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), University of Port Harcourt [2006-date]; Adjunct Professor, World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research & Training (ACE-CEFOR). Professionally, Prof. Mmom is a Fellow of Nigerian Environmental Society (fmr. Chairman, Rivers State Chapter), Member, International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA-USA). Fellow, Occupational Safety & Health Association [FOSHA], Fellow, Emergency, Crisis and Risk Management Institute, Member, Association of Nigerian Geographers, Registered Environmental Manager with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP-USA). He’s the 153rd Inaugural Lecturer of the University of Port Harcourt and spoke on the title: ORDER IN DISORDER: RE-THINKING INSIDE THE BOX. He’s a Member, National Technical Working Committee (NTWC) on development of the Medium Term and Long Term National Economic Development Plan and Vision 2050. 2020-date
Prof. Mmom is a Professorial Assessor/ External Examiner to many Universities in Nigeria and very special to mention, an External Assessor to the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru-Jos. Prof. Mmom has supervised and produced over 120 Undergraduates, 52 Master’s Degree and 18 Ph.D Graduates.
He has varied research interests, ranging from Environmental Impact Assessment, Urban Planning & Environmental Resources Management and Disaster Risk Management. He is a member of many project teams and Boards and an Environmental Consultant to many firms within and outside Nigeria. He is a recipient of the honour of Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS). He was the immediate Commissioner for Education, Rivers State, 9th July, 2022 to 25th May, 2024. He is a member of Governing Council, Federal College of Education, Potiskum, Yobe State. He is an Ambassador for Peace and holds an honorary Chieftaincy title of: Eze Ocha-okpo 1 of Omuanwa town. He is an Alumnus of the Nigeria’s prestigious National Institute and the 9th President of SLEPM 9 of the National Institute. He’s fairly traveled to most parts of world and enjoys playing Football, Tennis and Snooker.
With such a pedigree, his appointment was a decisive move to set solid academic and administrative foundations with this world acclaimed distinguished researcher, innovator with profound institutional leadership acumen.
There is no doubt that Professor Mmom is the right man to lead the new university to a glorious start. It is clear that the decision to appoint a core professional with a distinguished track record in research, innovation and institutional leadership as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the new university Is a strategic step to align the institution’s vision with global best practices, ensuring that it becomes a hub for cutting edge technological advancement and sustainable environmental solutions.
Known for his high work rate and relentless pursuit of excellence and result, Professor Mmom hit the ground running as he assumed duties on Thursday, 7th August 2025. He, together with other members of the Governing Council, inspected the university campus as part of preparations for the commencement of academic activities. The visit enabled the team to assess, evaluate, and review infrastructure in readiness for commencement of academic activities this year.
Meanwhile, the Federal University of Environment and Technology has established a liaison office to ensure that strategic linkages and strong relationships with stakeholders, aimed at driving growth and achieving excellence, are seamless.
