Youth groups from Ogoniland staged a protest in Port Harcourt on Monday, accusing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of neglecting the development of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Saakpenwa, in Rivers State.

The protesters, under the aegis of the Ogoni Youths Development Initiative in collaboration with the South-South Youths Initiative, marched through major streets of Port Harcourt, demanding immediate funding and support for the university.

During the demonstration, the youths carried placards with inscriptions such as “NNPC Pay FUET Contractors,” “NNPC Adhere to Mr President’s Directive,” “NNPC Fund Our Ogoni University,” and “Ogoni University Must Be Funded by NNPCL.”

The protesters alleged that the national oil company had failed to comply with a directive by President Bola Tinubu to provide financial support for the institution.

Addressing Imeabe Saviour Oscar, the crowd, Global President of the Ogoni Youths Development, stated that Oscar said the Federal Government established the university on February 3, 2025, with the expectation that NNPCL would fund its take-off and development.

According to him, the failure to release the expected funds has stalled critical infrastructure projects required for the effective operation of the institution.

“As we speak, no funds have been released to the university as directed by the President. Students do not have access to lecture halls, laboratories, or hostel facilities. Contractors who undertook projects at the university are also stranded after taking loans to execute the work,” he said.

Oscar further alleged that contractors handling projects at the university commenced work following instructions from the management of NNPCL but had yet to receive payment.

“The students are stranded, contractors are stranded. These contractors took out loans for the project at that school. NNPCL led by Bashir Bayo Ojulari directed that the project should go ahead,” he added.

He expressed concern that the development had left students, contractors and the university management in difficult circumstances, describing the situation as unfair to the people of Ogoni.

Oscar also linked the establishment of the university to discussions surrounding the proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, urging the Federal Government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare and development of the area.

The youth leader warned that the protest was only a warning demonstration, stressing that the groups would intensify their actions if their demands were not addressed.