The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) has told the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs that it is ready to work with it. The message came from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Dozie, when he hosted the ministry's Commissioner, Dr. Henry Okafor, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the university.
Prof. Dozie welcomed the visitors warmly and said FUTO is well placed to help the ministry carry out its mandate. He used the occasion to restate what he wants his time in office to achieve. "Our commitment is to leave FUTO better than we met it," he said.
What FUTO says it can offer
The Vice-Chancellor pointed to the university's academic, research and technological strengths, especially in Petroleum Engineering, Logistics and Transport Technology and Maritime Technology, along with related fields. In his view, these disciplines can contribute meaningfully to the oil and gas sector and to the wider Niger Delta region.
He named several areas where the two sides could work together:
Research and innovation
Capacity building
Community engagement
Youth empowerment
Environmental sustainability
Conflict prevention
Prof. Dozie said he hopes the visit will be the start of a strong, lasting and mutually beneficial partnership.
The Commissioner's view
Dr. Okafor outlined what his ministry does. Among its responsibilities, he said, is managing relationships between oil companies and their host communities, encouraging effective community engagement, and promoting peace, stability and sustainable development across the oil and gas producing region.
He described FUTO as occupying a strategic position within the Niger Delta region. He also called it the best university of technology in Nigeria, which is his own assessment and not an official ranking.
Who was there
The Vice-Chancellor was joined by members of the university's management team:
Engr. Prof. Remy Uche, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Prof. C. C. Ogueke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
Prof. E. B. Etuk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Innovation)
Mr. Chiedozie Uba, University Registrar
Mr. Okechukwu Oji, representing the University Bursar
Dr. Mrs. Justina Ekere, University Librarian
What this could mean for students
No agreement was announced during the visit, so for now this is an expression of intent. Still, the areas listed, especially research, capacity building and youth empowerment, are the kind that can lead to training programmes, research funding and practical opportunities for students in engineering, logistics and maritime fields. It will be worth watching whether the courtesy call turns into a formal partnership.
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