By Samuel Ogude
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area ,Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba said the institution would continue to partner with Nigeria Union of Journalist, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel for Institution’s (FUPRE) Progress and Aspirations. Prof. Agbalagba stated this on Saturday in a chat with members of fourth Estate of the realm at High Chief Dr Government Ekpomupo a.k.a Tompolo Press Centre,3 Eburu Street, Warri, in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.
According to him, the Union’s commitment as regards accurate and responsible journalism has significantly contributed to foster public trust in the lvory Tower. On his mission to move the institution to the next level, Prof. Agbalagba reaffirmed his commitment to make the institution as leading national and global hub for petroleum- focused institution, that cuts edge in research and innovation just as he promised to prioritize the welfare of students, staff and the implementation of the provisions of the institution’s establishment Act 2017. His words:” I reaffirm this commitment continue to enhance academic programmes, promote impactful research, modernize infrastructure, and deeper stakeholder engagement”
According to him, to actualize the earmarked goals, he inaugurated a Strategic Planning Committee charged with the responsibility of developing a comprehensive five-year road-map for the University which includes diverse representatives across academia, administration, and key stakeholders’ groups aimed at elevating the institution into a globally competitive one. He said, he is optimistic that once this roadmap is completed, the institution would experience rapid transformative progress.
Prof. Agbalagba said, the institution remains Africa’s first petroleum-focused and the sixth global University as it would continue to lead in delivering industry relevant education, innovation research and sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s energy sector by producing highly skilled engineers, scientists, and leaders who are technically proficient and visionary in addressing the dynamic challenges of the oil and gas industry.
According Prof. Agbalagba, the exit of several international oil companies from the Nigerian energy sector has created manpower and knowledge gaps that threaten the industry’s long-term viability. He however said, the institution is equipped to take the lead by addressing these gaps and therefore solicited the collaboration of the government, industry stakeholders and private sector to achieve this noble goal.
His words:” …achieving this, requires strategic collaboration with the government, industry stakeholders, and the private sector. By strengthening partnerships, we can consolidate FUPRE’s role as a Center of Excellence in petroleum research, innovation, and workforce development thereby contributing directly to Nigeria’s economic resilience and energy sovereignty”.
According to Prof. Agbalagba, the institution has introduced seven new degree programmes in the 2025/2026 academic session, four of which are business and management namely: B.Sc Entrepreneurship Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Petroleum Information Management and Procurement Management while in the sciences, the institution has B.Sc in Biochemistry Microbiology, and Petroleum Chemistry to support innovations in health, environment, and sustainable energy.
While appreciating the Federal Government’s funding through PTDF and NCDMB-2% of their annual budgets, the fund is grossly inadequate as it has limited the institution’s ability to attract top talent, build state-of-the-art infrastructure, and conduct industry relevant research and therefore urgently called on the government to fully implement the FUPRE Act and provide the funding and structural support required to fulfill its national mandate.
The VC clarified various issues as regards the institution and Petroluem and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria(PENGASSAN) and misinformation as regards the payment of Earned Allowances. Prof. Agbalagba said, the institution has no intention whatsoever to withhold any allowances due to eligible staff adding, on receipt of the approved allowances, the Bursary Department on 5th June 2025, issued an official memo informing all staff adding, before the disbursement, his administration engaged with union’s heads to ensure full alignment with the stipulated requirements from the supervising ministry.
According to him, based the engagements, the allowances were disbursed through the recognized unions, in accordance with government’s approvals and established due process saying, staff members whose payments remain pending is due to specific administrative and technical issues that have been clearly identified and communicated to the individuals involved and the staff involved are aware of the issues and verification process currently being attended to.
Prof. Agbalagba however said, following mutual understanding and agreement reached with the Management of the University, all outstanding Earmed Allowances would be fully settled within the next one week among others. He assured the people that his administration is not built on victimization or violations of anybody’ right but on fairness, inclusion, and accountability-not fear or exclusion just as he said, in his maiden town hall meeting, he welcomed open dialogue and shared responsibility.