The Federal University of Environment and Technology in Koroma/Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, has issued a stern warning against all forms of student exploitation, including extortion and the demand for sexual gratification.
The institution’s Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Don Baridam, delivered the warning during the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony and founders’ day lecture on Wednesday.
Emphasizing the need to protect the new university’s image, Baridam stated that any lecturer or non-teaching staff involved in acts capable of tarnishing FUET’s reputation would face dismissal.
“To the lecturers and non-teaching staff: I advise you to take these pioneer students as your own children and guide them to succeed… You must refrain from extortion, the sale of handouts, and demanding sexual gratification,” Baridam declared.
He also set a high academic standard for faculty, warning, “Lecturers who are not visible on Google Scholar or ResearchGate, and local scholars who do not publish indexed articles, will not be tolerated in this University, certainly not under my watch as Chairman of Council.”
The pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, addressing the 1,246 newly matriculated students, reinforced the zero-tolerance policy. He urged students to avoid social vices and outlined strict consequences.
“FUET will not tolerate cult-related activities, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, drug abuse, offering grades for money, sale of handouts… I assure you that the first student found engaging in cultism in this University will be expelled with full legal backing,” Mmom stated.
He also emphasized that participation in semester examinations would require at least 75% class attendance and completed Continuous Assessments, a standard he described as “non-negotiable.”
The event featured the unveiling of a statue of late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and a founders’ day lecture by former University of Port Harcourt Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ajienka.
Academic activities have commenced across the university’s six faculties: Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, and Management Technology.
