The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh
By Eruotor Cynthia
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh said the institution has got lots of achievements since he assumed office but it would be placed more on world map of oil and gas industry if given enough funding.
Prof. Rim-Rukeh stated this while playing host to members of National Association of Ughelli and Ethiope Media Practitioners, Delta State. According to him, the institution has had many scientific and technological breakthroughs among which is the ability to generate its power from the nearby canal adding that, when provided with enough funds, many of these breakthroughs would be implemented thereby placing the institution more on global map in oil and gas industry.
His words:” The only challenge the institution is experiencing now is inadequate funding. If the Federal Government can help the institution with enough funds, l am sure, many of the technological breakthroughs would be executed”.
Erudite Professor of the noble institution said the students of the institutions have participated in many local and international competitions and emerged victorious and this has given more credence to the school in the comity of nations. He said the amount given by the Federal Government to run an institution which is first in Africa and ranked 6th in the world is a far cry considering the enormous tasks before the institution.
He said: “This University is first of its kind in Africa and 6th in the world. By the grace of God, we have had many scientific and technological breakthroughs in this institution but the only challenge has been the issue of funding”. He therefore called on the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to come to the aid of the institution in this regard.
Meanwhile, Prof. Rim-Rukeh used the medium to express gratitude to the Federal Government for its assistance over the years that made the school experience speedy growth and development thus far and encouraged it to do more to enable the institution achieve its mission and vision of establishment.
On the reason the institution has not been among schools in Nigeria where cultism holds away, the Vice Chancellor said, the management of the school has, from the day new students are admitted into the school, they are oriented on the need to take their studies seriously and letting them know that education is the gate way to their success and so, they have no time to be involved in cult activities.
His words:” The Management of the school let the students know from the beginning of their admission that studying their books is the ultimate and they take it as that. So, we do a lot of talking”. Then, the secret of his great achievements in the school so far, he said, it is the grace of God anchored on determination to make the institution to be placed more on the world map of oil and gas industry.
On the purpose of the organization’s visit to partner with the school, Prof. Rim-Rukeh promised to work with the association in all ramifications just as he assured the organization of support in whatever way whenever the need arises.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Association, Comrade Godwin Ukane said the organization commended the VC for his support towards the advancement of education in the state and the country at large. According to him, the aims and objectives of the organization are to promote the socio- political and educational development of the people.
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh being presented a copy of speech by the Chairman, National Association of Ughelli and Ethiope Media Practitioners, Delta State, Comrade Godwin Ukane at the school on Wednesday
He said, the organization is ready to partner with institution in the area of media coverage which would enhance growth and development of the institution. His words:” We also commend you for your unflinching contributions towards the growth and development of not only this great University but other institutions of higher learning which you have headed”
Comrade Ukane however said the organization is faced with lots of challenges which include: lack befitting Secretariat to be holding meetings, lack of vehicle for easy movement to enable the organization reach many people as possible and lack of adequate funding among others which have hindered organization’s achieving its set goals.
He said:”The organization needs adequate funding to enable it achieves its aims and objectives”. While thanking him for warm reception given to the members of the organization, he wished for cordial working relationship between the organization and institutions.