L-R: The outgone FUPRE VC, Engr Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh(2nd) and his wife and Newly Inaugurated FUPRE VC, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba (3rd) and his wife after the handover on Friday
By Samuel Ogude
The newly inaugurated Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Prof. Ezekiel Ogheyerhovwo Agbalagba said, his administration would show high level of dedication and transparency to ensure the institution continues to be centre of excellence in petroleum education and research.
Prof Agbalagba stated this as he was handed the baton of leadership by the outgone Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh at 500 capacity Auditorium on Friday. According to him, his administration would place a strong emphasis on community engagement, nurturing deeper connection with key stakeholders including industry partners, alumni and local commitments to achieve his goal, adding, in few weeks from the moment of handover to him, he would roll out his blue prints on how he would achieve his vision and goal.
His words:”Collaboration, consultation and commitment will guide our path forward. In the coming weeks, l will present a five -year strategic- plan that will serve as the roadmap for this administration- outlining our vision and goal.”Prof. Agbalagba also promised that his administration would embark on expansion, upgrading and maintenance of the institution’s infrastructure, the construction of new state-of-art facilities, the modernisation of existing spaces and consistent upkeeps which are required to support sustained academic and professional growth.
Group photo of the outgone FUPRE VC, Engr Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh and his wife and Newly Inaugurated FUPRE VC, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba and his wife and some management staff of the institution after the handover on Friday
According to him, as a seasoned academic with a solid background in environmental and radiation in physics, he is fully committed to upholding the institution’s mission to provide world-class education and training professionals in petroleum and other allied sectors. His words:” My research journey has deepened my appreciation for innovation and the practical application of knowledge- principles l am committed to championing throughout my tenure as Vice Chancellor of this great University”.
While acknowledging the work of his predecessor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh whose transformative leadership laid a strong foundation for the development and progress of the University, Prof. Agbalagba promised to build on the legacy and further elevate FUTURE’s reputation as a leading institution both in Nigeria and globally. Prof. Agbalagba also pledged to prioritize the welfare of students and staff through comprehensive and strategic implementation of the institution’s established Act among others.
He therefore expressed gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Minister of education for the confirmation of his appointment. He also thanked the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his support just as he thanked the Chairman of the Governing Councils of the institution, Engr. Bello Gachi Issa and all council members for their trust and encouragement.
Prof. Agbalagba also expressed gratitude to the Royal fathers among whom are: His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo(Rtd), the Orodje of Okpe, His Royal Majesty, Oghenevwogaga Okorefe, the Ovie of Agbarha- Otor Kingdom, among others, for their guidance, support and blessings. He also thanked FUPRE community, friends and his family for their support and above all, he thanked God for this opportunity given him to serve in this capacity.
Earlier in address, the outgone Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Akpofure Rim-Rukeh said, when he took over the mantle of leadership of the school in 4th May 2020, he had the vision to make the institution a globally connected Petroleum University whose transformative research and teaching places the institution at the forefront of leadership in energy discoveries to benefit the society, adding, today, he has achieved his dreams.
L-R: The Newly Inaugurated FUPRE VC, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba (2nd) and his wife and the outgone FUPRE VC, Engr Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh (3rd) and his wife during the Thanksgiving after the handover ceremony on Friday
He said,on resumption of duty, despite the challenges of COVID 19 pandemic, he hit the ground running and today, among other things, the school has been able to establish 21 new academic programmes: statistics, science laboratory, technology, among others. According to him, his administration was able to establish three(3) new colleges: College of Maritime and Offshore studies, College of Computing and College of Management and Administration. According to him, his administration also provided sufficient teaching and learning facilities; provided research laboratory equipment among others.
He therefore expressed gratitude to the Governing Council of the institution and its members that he worked with. He thanked the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 4th Council led by Prof. Shehu Abdullai Zuru and 5th led by Prof.Gozie Anwuka and of course, the 6th council led by Engr Bello Gachi Issa and their members for their support.
Group photo of the Outgone FUPRE VC Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh and newly inaugurated FUPRE VC Ezekiel Agbalagba and their well wishers after the hand over on Friday
He also thanked the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources who handed over to him, Prof. Akii A.O.Ibadodhe, who, despite the fact he was out of office, kept advising him on any issue to make the institution grow. The outgone Vice Chancellor also thanked the Senate of the institution and the different traditional rulers among whom are: His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, different agencies both public and private for their support.
He thanked the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his support and above all, he thanked God Almighty to have made it possible for him to complete his five years tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the enviable institution. He thanked staff both academic and non academic and students of the University for their support which made it possible to have completed his tenure successfully.
The handover ceremony was followed by Thanksgiving in appreciation to God Almighty who made it possible for Engr Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh to complete his tenure in good health. The highlight of the handover ceremony was the presentation of the necessary note, school flag and a copy of Holy Bible by the outgone Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh to the newly inaugurated Vice, Prof. Ezekiel Ogheyerhovwo Agbalagba amidst cheers.