The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental research and human capacity development with plans to open its facilities and remediation project sites to students of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni.
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, disclosed this at the maiden matriculation ceremony of FUET, Koroma/Saakpenwa, in Tai Local Government Area of Ogoni, Rivers State, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward nurturing innovation in environmental science and technology.
According to Professor Zabbey, the collaboration aligns squarely with HYPREP’s mandate to build capacity in environmental management while driving cutting-edge research in remediation, restoration, and sustainable development.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing FUET at a critical period in global history commonly referred to as the Anthropocene – an era marked by significant and lasting human impact on Earth’s ecosystems.
“I thank Mr. President for establishing this very important university at a time when the world is grappling with profound environmental challenges.
“HYPREP’s responsibility is the remediation of impacted lands and wetlands, and the restoration of mangroves. A key part of that responsibility is capacity building, and this aligns perfectly with the vision of this university.” Zabbey said.
The HYPREP Boss highlighted the ongoing construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) in Ogoni as a major milestone that will redefine environmental research in the region and beyond.
He explained that CEER will serve as an international hub for environmental research for development, comprising two faculties: a Faculty of Research and Development, envisioned as a postgraduate centre for innovative research in environmental remediation and management; and a Faculty of Vocational Studies, designed to strengthen practical and technical competencies.
“What this means is that we are already laying the foundation for innovative postgraduate research for this university. With both the Centre and the University located in Ogoni, we will work very closely,” he noted.
Beyond infrastructure, Professor Zabbey assured FUET students of hands-on training opportunities, revealing that HYPREP will open its remediation sites, mangrove restoration projects, and research facilities to students as part of its structured internship programme.
“Students of this University will have the opportunity to intern with HYPREP and to use our remediation sites for research for development. This is about building human capacity in the region and linking theory with real-world practice,” he said.
Professor Zabbey congratulated FUET on its successful take-off and offered to voluntarily teach students, further strengthening the bridge between academic learning and practical environmental restoration.
The partnership is expected to position FUET as a hub for applied environmental research while equipping students with practical skills to address Nigeria’s pressing ecological challenges.