VC, FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh addressing the press on Wednesday
By Samuel Ogude
The outgoing Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area,Delta State said, his single tenure of five years in the institution is not only memorable, fruitful, wonderful and rewarding but it is instructive journey in the history of the organization through his life’s journey.
Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh stated this on Wednesday when briefing the press at the Vice Chancellor’s conference room. According to him, when he assumed office as the Vice Chancellor on the 4th May, 2020, he had the vision of making the institution as a globally connected Petroleum University whose transformative research and teaching places, the institution at the forefront of leadership in energy discoveries which are beneficial to the society adding that, today, the vision has been realized.
The outgoing Vice Chancellor said, the realization of the vision statement revolves round: teaching and learning, achieving research excellence, increase funding, attraction of Regional/International Faculty and Students, attracting International and National Academic Partners, and attracting International Industry Partners.
L-R: VC, FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh(4th) flanked by other Management staff of the Univerisity on Wednesday
According to Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, despite the challenges of global COVID 19 pandemic and its adverse effects on local situations, nationwide ENDSARS protests which crippled national life together with prolonged strikes by lecturers that affected universities, he was able to address the needs of the University.
The VC enumerated the set of Governing Council heads in his five years tenure who are: Prof.Shehu Abdullahai Zuru(May, 2020-February,2021), Prof.Anthony Gozie Anwuka(July 2021-June 2023, and that of Engr.Issa Bello Gachi(July 2024- May, 2025).
The outgoing VC Chancellor said, the achievements of the institution in his tenure speak volumes adding, they include: the establishment of 21 Academic programmes, establishment of three new colleges, provision of sufficient teaching and learning facilities, research laboratory equipment, improved activities at the University Health Centre(UHC), improved financial management among others.
According to him, activities that have been lined up to celebrate the end of his tenure include: the visit of Orphanage Home which is billed for Tuesday, April 22; Community Service which involves the planting of trees(Wednesday, April 23); Rewards for Excellence(Thursday ,April 24) and on the 25th April, there would be appreciation of the Vice Chancellor by the University Community,Cultural Display by FUTURE students and Jumat Service.
According to Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, other activities to celebrate his successful exit include: Public Lectures with the theme: “The Gown and Town in Nigeria- The Issues in between which is to be delivered by Mr. Abraham Ogbodo( Former Editor-in- Chief,The Guardian Newspaper on Monday 28th April,2025.
He said, there would be also Science Quiz Competition among schools in the host communities which is billed for Tuesday 29th April, unveiling of the Vice Chancellor’s Memoir/Score Card/ Photo Book which is billed for Wednesday 30th April and of course, the programme would be rounded off on Friday, 2nd May, 2025 with the formal handover to incoming Vice Chancellor and followed by thanks-giving, the same day.
L-R: VC, FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh(4th) flanked by Warri Journalists on Wednesday
While expressing gratitude to God Almighty for a successful completion of his tenure, he thanked the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the 4th Council and its members led by Prof.Shehu Abdullai Zuru,5th Council led by Prof. Anthony Gozie Anwuka, 6th Council led by Engr. Bello G. Isaa for their support which has made him realize his dreams in the institution.
The outgoing VC also thanked traditional rulers among whom are the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM,.Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, The Orodje of Okpe, HRM, Major General Felix Mujakperuo(Rtd) Orhue I, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM, Monday Obukowho Whiskey, Udurhe I, the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, HRM, Mike Umerho, Ogurimerime, Ukori I, among others, for their supports which have made the institution to achieve this great feat which is being celebrated today.
He thanked government agencies and private organizations that partnered with the institution to achieve these unprecedented achievements. His words:” I commend the government agencies and private organizations that partnered with us during my tenure, Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund), the National University Commission(NUC), … Delta State Government and my immediate family(my wife and children)..”