L-R: The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba (3rd), flanked by other top management staff on Monday while addressing the press
By Samuel Ogude
The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning the institution as a globally competitive and innovation-driven university. Prof. Agbalagba stated this on Monday during a press briefing marking his one year in office as Vice Chancellor of the university located in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to him, upon assuming office in May 2025, his administration was guided by a clear vision aimed at transforming the institution through academic excellence, research innovation, industry relevance, infrastructural development, and improved welfare for staff and students. His words: “When I assumed office in May 2025, I did so with a clear and deliberate mandate to reposition the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, as a globally competitive, innovation-driven institution of higher learning,”
L-R: The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba,(3rd) flanked by other top management staff on Monday while addressing the press
The Vice Chancellor explained that the administration’s agenda is anchored on five cardinal pillars which include excellence in teaching and learning, impactful and solution-oriented research, strong industry engagement, sustainable institutional development, and enhanced welfare for staff and students.
He noted that the university has focused on ensuring that academic outputs directly address societal and industrial challenges, particularly within the energy sector. Prof. Agbalagba further disclosed that within one year, the university had recorded significant achievements in academic stability, digital transformation, research development, and infrastructural renewal.
According to him, the institution has restored stability to its academic calendar, thereby boosting confidence among students, staff, and parents. His word: “Academic activities, including lectures, examinations, and graduation cycles, are now better structured, more efficient, and strictly aligned with approved schedules.”
Faces of those present at the ceremony of the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba during the celebration of one in office with other staff & well wishers
Speaking on digital reforms, the Vice Chancellor said, the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) contributed to the successful conduct of the institution’s first semester examinations in 2025. He added that, improvements in the university’s portal system had enhanced transparency and efficiency in both academic and administrative operations.
The Vice Chancellor, who addressed journalists alongside top management staff of the institution, also highlighted achievements in research and innovation, revealing that the university had produced over 20 patent research outputs within the period under review.
He listed other achievements to include infrastructural development, campus renovation, improved hostel accommodation, better sanitation, and enhanced security on campus. Prof. Agbalagba further noted that the university had strengthened collaborations with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector through industry partnerships, research commercialisation initiatives, and the Triple Helix Model.
Despite the achievements, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged that the institution still faces challenges, particularly inadequate funding and increasing pressure on infrastructure due to rising student enrolment.
L-R: The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba (3rd) and Alumni on Monday.
His words: “While we are encouraged by the significant progress recorded within the first year of this administration, it is important to acknowledge that institutional and systemic challenges persist. These include growing demands for infrastructural expansion, increasing pressure from rising student enrolment, and the ever-present constraints of funding required to sustain and expand critical academic and infrastructural projects.”
He, however, assured that the administration would continue to pursue excellence through consolidation, expansion, sustainability, and accelerated infrastructural development. Prof. Agbalagba expressed gratitude to the university’s Governing Council, principal officers, academic and non-academic staff, students, alumni, and development partners for their support over the past year. He appealed for continued cooperation to enable the institution attain greater heights globally.
His words: “The first year of this administration has been devoted to laying the foundation for sustainable growth, institutional stability, and strategic repositioning. The years ahead will be dedicated to consolidation, expansion, and the delivery of measurable global impact across all areas of our mandate,” he added. The press briefing ended with an interactive question-and-answer session with journalists.