FUPRE To Continue Producing Competent Manpower For Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry
– VC Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh
By Wilson Macaulay
Effurun, Delta State – March 3, 2025
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing highly skilled manpower for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He made this declaration during a press briefing in preparation for the university’s 4th Convocation Ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on March 14 and 15, 2025.
Speaking at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room, Prof. Rim-Rukeh highlighted the university’s impressive strides in academic excellence, research innovation, and industrial collaboration. He emphasized FUPRE’s crucial role in bridging the skills gap in the energy sector and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in petroleum engineering, technology, and sustainable energy development.
Prof. Rim-Rukeh noted that the upcoming convocation ceremony will be a historic occasion for FUPRE as it graduates 30 of its first-ever set of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) students. A total of 2,480 students from various academic disciplines, including First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s Degrees, and Doctoral Degrees, will be conferred with their certificates.
The Academic Don explained that in
line with its vision of becoming a center of excellence in petroleum studies, FUPRE has recorded groundbreaking achievements in research and innovation. The Vice Chancellor proudly announced that the university now holds 42 patents and two copyrights—a testament to its dedication to technological advancement.
He disclosed during the Press briefing that as part of the convocation activities, FUPRE will host its 1st Research and Innovation Fair themed “Innovation for Economic Growth.” This event will bring together leading figures from academia, government, and industry to discuss critical topics, including:The role of research in industrial applications,
Innovation in energy and environmental sustainability.Showcasing of cutting-edge technologies developed within the university.Networking sessions to foster collaborations between students, researchers, and industry players.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted key partnerships and collaborations that have strengthened FUPRE’s position as a leading institution for petroleum and energy studies. These include:
The establishment of an Academia-Industry Advisory Board with major stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to guide curriculum development.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for weather research and the installation of an automated weather station.
Strategic collaborations with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to enhance local production and promote indigenous technology.
Industry-academic partnerships with companies like Cyphercrescent Limited and BlackGold Authorities and Advisory, focusing on safety training, research development, and workforce training.
Expansion of Academic Programmes.
Prof. Rim-Rukeh further announced that the university has secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the introduction of new academic programmes, which will enhance students’ employability and relevance in the global market. These include, Petrochemical Engineering, Natural Gas Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering.
Environmental & Management Sciences: Masters in Sustainable Development, Masters in Energy Transitions and Sustainability, Marine Transport and Logistics.
ICT & Emerging Technologies: Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering, Petroleum Information Management.
Speaking further he said:”Additionally, three new colleges have been established, namely the College of Maritime and Offshore Studies
College of Computing
College of Petroleum Management and Administration.”
While speaking on global recognition and students achievements, Prof Akpofure
said:” FUPRE has continued to gain recognition on the global stage, with its students and faculty making significant contributions. Some recent achievements include,Winning the 2023 Technology Enhancement Program for Software Development, organized by Schlumberger and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).Placing third globally at an international petroleum engineering competition in New Orleans, USA, making FUPRE the second-highest ranked African institution in the contest’s history.”
He added: ” Our hard working students also developed FAP Paints—an eco-friendly paint derived from agro-waste materials, which won the TETFair INNOVATION Abuja 2023 Award.
Inventing Aquastill: A Nano Clay Water Filter, which purifies water using nano materials to remove contaminants, positioning FUPRE at the forefront of environmental research. Development of
PLUTOID, a new social media platform that is gaining international recognition.
Commitment to Ethics and Transparency
The Vice Chancellor also revealed that FUPRE has successfully implemented an Ethics, Integrity, and Compliance Scorecard (EICS), leading to the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Transparency Unit (ACTU). In 2024, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) ranked FUPRE among the top 10 government institutions in Nigeria for ethical compliance.
Future Outlook: Driving Innovation and Industrial Growth
Prof. Rim-Rukeh emphasized that FUPRE is not just producing graduates but grooming world-class professionals capable of driving innovation and economic growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“Our commitment to research, innovation, and industry-driven education remains unwavering. We will continue to strengthen partnerships, develop cutting-edge technologies, and empower our students with skills that position them as global leaders in petroleum, energy, and environmental sciences,” he stated.
As he prepares to leave office as Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rim-Rukeh expressed gratitude to the university community, stakeholders, and government agencies that have contributed to the institution’s success. He reassured that FUPRE’s legacy of excellence will continue to shape the future of energy development in Nigeria and beyond.
Conclusion
With its expanding academic programs, innovative research breakthroughs, and strong industry partnerships, FUPRE remains Nigeria’s premier university for petroleum and energy studies. As the institution celebrates its 4th Convocation, it stands as a beacon of progress, equipping the next generation of professionals to revolutionize the oil and gas sector while championing sustainability and technological advancement.
