My Vision, To Make FUPRE Globally Connected Petroleum University Says Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh

The outgoing Vice Chancellor Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh said on his resumption of office on the 4th May, 2020, his vision was to make the University a globally connected Petroleum University whose transformative research and teaching that would place the institution at the forefront of leadership in energy discoveries that are beneficial to the society adding today, his vision has been actualized.

Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh stated this while addressing the press on Wednesday at the Vice Chancellor's conference room. According to him, his single tenure of five years, though has finally comes to an end,  but it  was beneficial not only to the University and the entire society but he has enjoyed it. 

He said:" The single  tenure of five years is coming to an end but certainly memorable, fruitful, wonderful and rewarding, yet  an instructive journey in the history of FUPRE and in my journey through life".

According to him, although his tenure has finally come to end, his administration has significant growth and development in the ivory Tower. He said, despite the challenges as regards COVID 19 pandemic, ENDSARS protests, and prolonged strikes - all put together that affected all sectors of the economy and the  University was not left out, he was able address the needs of the University.  

His words:" The year, 2020 was quite eventful with the global COVID 19 pandemic and its adverse effects on local situations, and the prolonged strikes by University lecturers which directly impacted us as a University. However, my administration did not wait for the external circumstances to settle before kicking off  its 5-year tenure. I quickly hit the ground running by addressing the needs of the University".

The VC said, he did not regret his exit as he has been able to leave good legacy behind especially in the area of infrastructure. According to him, among other things, under his administration, the University was able to establish new 21 academic programmes, establish three new colleges, provide sufficient teaching and learning facilities, provide research laboratory equipment, establish University Industry Advisory Board among others.

The Vice Chancellor said activities are lined  up for his glorious exit and they include:  the visit of the Orphanage Home which is billed for Tuesday ,22nd April, Community Service which see the planting of trees is billed for Wednesday, 23rd April, while Thursday 24th April will be the turn of Valedictory Senate meeting, Farewell meeting with the University Community and Reward for Excellence.

According to Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, other activities would be held on Friday, 25th April where appreciation of the Vice Chancellor by the University community will be done and this is closely followed by Cultural display by FUPRE students, other cultural troupes and Jumat Service.

He said, Monday 28th April, there would be public lecture with the theme:" The Gown and Town in Nigeria - The issues in between, and on Tuesday 29th, April,.there would be Science Quiz Competition among schools in the Communities, and then, on Wednesday 30th April, there would be the Unveiling of the Vice Chancellor's  Memoir/ Score Card Photo Book. According to him, the activities would be rounded off on Friday 2nd  May, 2025 with the formal handover ceremony to the incoming Vice Chancellor and that  would be closely followed by Thanksgiving.

Engr Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh used the opportunity to thank the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the 4th Council, Prof. Shehu Abdullai Zuru, 5th Council led by Prof. Anthony Gozie Anwuka and the 6th Council of the University led by Engr Bello G. Isaa and all their members for their support which has made the institution to have made this progress today.

He also expressed gratitude to all traditional rulers among whom are the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom,HRM, Monday Obukowho Whiskey, Udurhe I, the Orodje of Okpe, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo(Rtd),  the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, among others for their support.
 The outgoing Vice Chancellor also thanked National University Commission(NUC), Delta State Government among others for their support which has made the University what it is today. Above all, he thanked God to have seen him through the administration of the institution for five years as despite the challenges, he was able to achieve huge success.

Present at the media briefing were key members of the University’s leadership, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor (Mrs.) Doris Ogeleka; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Godswill Ofualagba; Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) E. Jane Omoyine; Bursar, Mr. Garba ‘Yau Nabayi; University Librarian, Professor Mercy Anyaegbu; and the Dean, College of Science and Vice-Chancellor Designate, Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba.