by Edentu Oroso, Publications Unit
Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, has expressed concern over the slow pace of development at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
Jonathan raised the concern when he received members of the University’s Governing Council and Management Team at his Kpansia residence in Yenagoa on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The delegation led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Barr. Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu, was on a courtesy visit to the former President.
Dr. Jonathan described FUO as a deliberate product of his administration’s effort to address the uneven distribution of federal universities across the country, noting that the institution had not developed at the pace he envisaged when compared with some of the other universities established under the same initiative.
According to him, Federal University Otuoke was among the 11 federal universities established by his administration in 2011 to address the shortage of federal universities in states that did not have one at the time.
He recalled that there were no specific statutory provisions at the time for the establishment of additional federal universities, adding that the absence of a federal university in Bayelsa State, coupled with the political complexities involved in creating new institutions, prompted his administration to pursue the initiative.
“I feel happy when I see the progress the 11 Federal Universities that we created have made,” he said. “That gives me satisfaction.”
While acknowledging the progress recorded by the universities established under the initiative, Dr. Jonathan noted that FUO still had significant ground to cover to attain the level of development expected of an institution of its status.
The former President also acknowledged concerns raised by both the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, and the Vice-Chancellor, particularly regarding the university’s infrastructural needs and security challenges.
Dr. Jonathan noted that, even before the current security concerns were brought to his attention, he had advocated the establishment of a police post in Otuoke, his hometown.
He said he had discussed the matter with the Inspector-General of Police, who subsequently directed the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police to take the necessary steps to site the project on land he had donated.
The former President said he was conversant with the challenges confronting the institution and expressed his willingness to support efforts to address them.
He also disclosed that the university’s initial three faculties were built through fundraising and personal donations by the people of Otuoke and subsequently handed over to the pioneer management team led by Professor Mobolaji Aluko as Vice-Chancellor.
Responding to a request by the Pro-Chancellor for the release of the building plans and other relevant documents relating to the donated facilities, Dr. Jonathan directed his staff to contact the chairman of the fundraising committee and his former aide, Hon. Moses Otazi, to make the documents available.
He assured the delegation that the university would soon have access to the relevant documents relating to the ownership and status of the properties.
Dr. Jonathan thanked the Pro-Chancellor for the visit and assured the university that his doors remained open to the institution. He also pledged to support efforts aimed at promoting its development.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University Otuoke, Barr. Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu, appealed to Dr. Jonathan to support the university’s efforts to establish a police post in Otuoke and facilitate access to the building plans and other relevant documents relating to facilities donated to the university by the Otuoke community.
Barr. Birnin Kudu expressed appreciation to the former President for his longstanding support for the university and acknowledged his contributions to national development.
Describing Dr. Jonathan as “my President, our President, our father,” the former Jigawa State Governor commended his humility, knowledge, wisdom and commitment to peace.
He said Jonathan’s leadership qualities and commitment to his ideals would continue to inspire future generations to strive for excellence.
“The qualities that you possess of knowledge, of humility, of commitment to ideals, of being a true symbol of peace are exemplary,” he said. “We are here to pay homage to you and to thank you so much for all you represent and have done for us and this nation.”
The Pro-Chancellor explained that the Governing Council had made the visit at short notice but had always received a warm reception from the former President whenever it sought his assistance since inception.
He said the university was particularly seeking Dr. Jonathan’s intervention in securing a police post in Otuoke, noting that the facility would strengthen security in the community and help curb crime.
“As your sons and daughters, we will ask again for support as we have always done. Otuoke is the first place for you, as your hometown,” he noted. “As the Vice-Chancellor has said, there is the need for a police post in Otuoke. Your community needs to be secured to control crime.”
Barr. Birnin Kudu also appealed to Dr. Jonathan to assist the university in obtaining the building plans and other relevant documents relating to facilities donated by the Otuoke community, explaining that the documents were not currently in the university’s possession.
He thanked the former President for his continued support and prayed God to preserve his life and grant him the wisdom and good health to continue contributing to the development of the nation.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of FUO, Professor Promise Mebine, highlighted the security concerns facing the university while introducing members of the delegation.
He disclosed that the institution currently has more than 20,000 students, making the absence of a police post in Otuoke a major concern.
Prof. Mebine, the university’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor, recalled that he had previously brought the matter to Dr. Jonathan’s attention, after which the former President indicated that he would write to the Inspector-General of Police in support of the establishment of a police post in Otuoke.
“I contacted you on assumption of office and you graciously said you will send a letter to the Inspector-General of Police, and that was done,” Prof. Mebine said, adding, “The site has been inspected and we are waiting for the construction.”
He expressed appreciation to the former President for his continued support, noting that the visit provided an opportunity for the Governing Council, led by the Pro-Chancellor, to formally present the institution’s current needs and seek his intervention where necessary.
The visit comes as the Governing Council and Management intensify efforts to address the university’s infrastructural and security needs and improve the environment for teaching, learning and research.
