Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Akpofure Rim- Rukeh
By Eruotor Cynthia
Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, is set to hold its 4th Convocation ceremony. The programme which is scheduled to take place on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th March, 2025 where 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sets will be graduating is spiced with lot of activities.
In a press briefing on Monday, today, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Akpofure Rim- Rukeh said the 4th Convocation of the University is unique to the institution because its first set of Doctor of Philosophy Students would be graduating.
According to Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, as part of the activities lined for the Convocation, the institution will showcase its ever Research and Innovation Fair with the theme:” Innovation for Economic Growth which will be held on Wednesday 12th March, saying, the 18th years of the institution’s existence is graced with lots of feats and accomplishments which are proof of the institution’s focus and commitment to its goals.
Left: Some Management Staff of FUPRE, far end(middle ),The Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof. Akpofure Rim- Rukeh,& Right- Journalists, at the press briefing
The Vice Chancellor of the enviable institution also said, there would be career fair which would be held on Thursday, 13th March, 2025 with the theme: “An Epoch Career Fair 2025 – Empowering FUPRE Alumni for Global Career Success, a programme which stemmed from Centre for Career Service, aimed at supporting students at every step of the career development process in order for them to acquire the necessary skills and competencies to become highly employable and competitive in the global market.
According to Prof. Akpofure Rim- Rukeh, the university has experienced unprecedented growth and development under his tenure. He said, among other things, there was introduction of new academic programmes by securing the approval of National Universities Commission(NUC) to introduce Petrochemical Engineering, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Petroleum Information Management, Entrepreneurship and Procurement Management.
He said, the institution was able, under his watch, to establish three new colleges which include: College of Maritime and Offshore Studies, College of Computing and College of Petroleum Management and Administration. According to him, besides, in the last two years, the institution was able to establish centres/institute of Energy Business School, Centre for Water Research, among others.
Prof. Akpofure Rim- Rukeh said, the institution was able to partner and collaborate with different organizations to strengthen and promote academic research hence the University signed Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) and launched on July 25, 2024 the Academia Industry Board that comprises professionals and key players in the oil industry and research institutions to guide curriculum and workforce development, among others.
His words:” May l further report that in the last two years, we have established linkages and affiliations with different organizations to strengthen and promote academic and research purposes.”
The erudite Vice Chancellor said, although, his tenure is running to an end, as he would be leaving before the end of this year, he is fulfilled as he has made significant impacts to the advancement of the institution- indelible mark by way of achievements in the school. According to him, his administration has been able to promote purposeful leadership, prudent financial management,among others. He therefore charged the incoming Vice- Chancellor to be purposeful driven – all to add to what he is leaving behind.
Some Management Staff of the organization during the press briefing
While expressing gratitude to the Management, and staff for their support which has paved way for the success stories so far, he specifically thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary initiative in launching the Education Loan Fund that provides invaluable opportunities for students seeking higher education, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as his efforts paved way for the construction of access road to University, the Pro- Chancellor and members of Governing Council for their guidance and leadership which have put the institution in right path.
And of course, the Vice Chancellor also thanked Chief(Senator) Ede Dafinone, Alhaji Abdul Samad Raiu and ASRA Africa, Chevron Nigeria Limited and the various donors for their roles which have made the university to grow to this extent. Above all, he thanked God Almighty for the progress made so in the school and making him to complete his tenure successfully.