The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), led by Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, is establishing the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) alongside soil and shoreline remediation and mangrove restoration projects to provide hands-on training and research opportunities for students at the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Ogoni.
The initiative aims to build capacity in environmental management by opening remediation sites to students. The CEER will feature a Faculty for Research and Development, serving as a postgraduate hub for studies in environmental remediation and management, and a Faculty of Vocational Studies.
Speaking at FUET’s maiden matriculation ceremony in Koroma/Saakpenwa, Ogoni, Zabbey said the gesture aligns with HYPREP’s mandate to build capacity in environmental management and foster cutting-edge research in environmental science. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing FUET, describing it as timely in the Anthropocene era, marked by significant human impact on Earth’s ecosystems.
“HYPREP is responsible for the remediation of impacted lands and wetlands, and the restoration of mangroves. One of our responsibilities is to build capacity in environmental management. So our mandate aligns with this university,” Zabbey said.
He assured that HYPREP will open its project sites to FUET students, providing internship and research opportunities. “Students of this University will have the opportunity to intern with HYPREP, in addition to using our sites for their research for development,” he announced.
Zabbey also offered to voluntarily teach sophomores, linking theory to practice, while congratulating FUET on its establishment.
The partnership is expected to strengthen environmental education, research, and practical training, positioning Ogoni as a hub for innovative postgraduate studies in environmental restoration.
By Ngozi Nwankwo, Abuja
