FUPRE Has the Potential to Thrive as an Epicenter of Research and Innovation – Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa
…Charges Varsity to Accelerate Commercialization of Intellectual Properties to Overcome Financial Constraints
By Wilson Macaulay
Effurun, Delta State – March 2, 2025
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) has been described as a citadel of learning with the potential to become a global hub for research and innovation, provided it adopts the right mindset and strategic approach.
This assertion was made by Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, the Executive Director of Hutzpa Innovations and Founder of the Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Fellowship, while delivering the keynote address at the Petroleum Varsity Founder’s Day Lecture titled: “Universities are Innovation Hubs: Are We There?”
The Need for Strategic Research and Innovation at FUPRE
In his thought-provoking lecture, Dr. Obiajunwa emphasized the need for FUPRE to reposition itself as an intellectual powerhouse, capable of driving scientific breakthroughs and industrial transformation. He pointed out that the university’s strategic focus on petroleum resources places it in a unique position to pioneer cutting-edge research that could redefine Nigeria’s energy landscape.
However, he noted that for FUPRE to achieve its full potential, it must overcome financial constraints that often hinder research and development. He urged the university’s leadership to accelerate the commercialization of its 41 patented inventions and 2 copyrighted intellectual properties, stressing that translating research outputs into marketable products is key to ensuring financial sustainability.
“A university that fails to translate research into tangible solutions and commercial products will struggle to sustain itself financially,” Dr. Obiajunwa remarked. “FUPRE has an abundance of intellectual capital, and it is time to harness it effectively through strategic partnerships, patents, and industry-driven collaborations.”
He further challenged lecturers and students to embrace a culture of innovation, highlighting that research commercialization is not just a means of revenue generation but also a pathway to positioning FUPRE as a global leader in technological advancement.
Vice Chancellor Highlights FUPRE’s Growth and Achievements
The Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim Rukeh, in his address, reflected on the university’s journey since its establishment on March 14, 2007. He expressed pride in FUPRE’s transformation from a single College of Science into a full-fledged institution with five colleges today.
“Looking back from when FUPRE was established to this moment—the 4th Convocation Ceremony and Founder’s Day Lecture—I am proud to say that we have conquered many challenges and achieved significant milestones,” Prof. Rukeh stated.
He recalled that when he assumed office as the first indigenous Vice Chancellor, he prioritized aggressive infrastructural development, increasing the number of buildings on campus from 16 to 32. Additionally, he expanded the number of colleges from two to five within his five-year tenure.
Prof. Rukeh urged the incoming Vice Chancellor to continue this legacy by expanding the school’s curriculum to align with the mandate of FUPRE’s founding fathers. He noted that the university’s recent initiatives, including a Career Research Fair and the Founder’s Day Lecture, underscore its commitment to research and innovation.
“We must continue to concentrate on research and innovation. That is why we organized the Career Research Fair to guide our students in the right direction. Today, we have brought a distinguished speaker to address the critical question: Are universities truly innovation hubs? The potential of innovation for national development is enormous, and FUPRE will continue to strive for excellence in this domain,” he affirmed.
Commendation from the Governing Council
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Bello Gachi Issa, and External Council Member, Dr. Buba Fauziyya, also commended Dr. Obiajunwa for his insightful lecture. They emphasized that his presentation laid a strong foundation for Nigerian universities to rethink their roles as drivers of economic and technological progress.
“Dr. Obiajunwa has sufficiently addressed the critical role of universities in fostering innovation. His emphasis on transforming Nigerian universities into true innovation hubs—by bridging the gap between research and commercialization—is particularly relevant,” they noted.
They further highlighted his structured approach to achieving this transformation, including:
Establishing technology transfer offices
Strengthening industry partnerships
Creating dedicated innovation spaces
Embedding entrepreneurship into the curriculum
Dr. Obiajunwa’s proposal for linking professorships to research commercialization rather than just academic publications was also acknowledged as a significant reform idea that could drive practical, solution-oriented research in Nigeria’s universities.
FUPRE’s Bright Future in Research and Innovation
The Founder’s Day Lecture attracted an impressive gathering of academia, industry stakeholders, government officials, and students, all of whom praised Dr. Obiajunwa’s thought-provoking insights. His address has set the stage for critical discussions on the future of research, funding, and innovation at FUPRE.
As the university charts its path towards becoming a global center for research excellence, stakeholders remain optimistic that with visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a firm commitment to innovation, FUPRE will emerge as a key player in shaping the future of energy research in Nigeria and beyond.
