FUPRE’s VC Prof. Rim-Rukeh to Hand Over on May 2, 2025, After Successful Tenure
By Wilson Macaulay
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) will commemorate the end of a transformative era as Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, the institution’s fourth substantive Vice Chancellor, concludes his five-year tenure on May 2, 2025. His administration’s achievements in pioneering innovations, academic growth, and strategic infrastructural development have significantly enhanced FUPRE’s national and global profile.
Professor Rim-Rukeh, who assumed office in 2020, formally launched his farewell celebration with a valedictory press briefing at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room. In a heartfelt address to the media and the university community, he described his journey as “memorable, fruitful, and fulfilling.”
“From day one, we were ready to work, and by God’s grace, we never looked back,” he said, reflecting on a tenure driven by a clear mission: to elevate FUPRE to a globally competitive institution through academic excellence, impactful research, and industry-aligned graduate output.
He anchored his administration on six strategic pillars—academic excellence, research and innovation, aggressive infrastructural development, staff and students welfare, community engagement, and global partnerships. These guiding principles helped shaped policies and decision-making, driving the university’s unprecedented progress with speed, accuracy and precision.
Under his leadership, FUPRE launched 21 new academic programmes, established three new colleges, created 16 Centres of Excellence, and introduced over 26 professional certification courses Infrastructure witnessed significant upgrades with expanded lecture halls, laboratories, student hostels, roads, and ICT facilities. The university’s research output soared, securing several patents, and its academic calendar remained uninterrupted—even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remarkably, FUPRE recorded five years of absolute peace, with no student unrest for the first time in its history.
When he resumed as Vice Chancellor he met 16 buildings standing but today we
Proud to announce that he is living office with 32 building standing, which is double of what was on ground before he saddled the office.
On leadership, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh emphasized the importance of perseverance, listening, and emotional intelligence. “The VC’s office is not just administrative—it is a problem-solving role,” he stated. “You need humility, discernment, and an excellent spirit to lead effectively.”
The university has outlined a week-long celebration in his honour. The events kicked off on Wednesday, April 16, with a media briefing at the Senate Chambers. On Tuesday, April 22, the outgoing VC will visit an orphanage and hold farewell sessions with the Joint College Boards and wider university community at the 500-Capacity Auditorium.
On Thursday, April 24, a symbolic tree-planting exercise will take place across the campus and host communities, followed by a Reward for Excellence ceremony. Friday, April 25, will feature an Appreciation Ceremony and a cultural display by FUPRE students at the 500-Capacity Auditorium.
When asked by journalists about his biggest challenge, Prof. Rim-Rukeh pointed to external pressures and abuses in the employment process, especially from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He also cited the disruption caused by FUPRE Bush Radio, known for spreading misinformation within the university. “But in the end, we overcame,” he added.
He also revealed two key projects he wished he had completed: a dedicated building for the College of Engineering and Advanced Centre Learning —both constrained by limited time and funding.
The farewell programme continues Monday, April 28, with a public lecture titled “The Gown & Town in Nigeria: The Issues in Between” by veteran journalist Mr. Abraham Ogbodo. On Tuesday, April 29, a science quiz competition will be held at the ICT Centre, featuring ten secondary schools from the host communities.
Wednesday, April 30, will witness the unveiling of a special memoir, scorecard, and photobook documenting Prof. Rim-Rukeh’s legacy. This will be followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments.
The grand finale of the celebration will take place on Friday, May 2, featuring a formal handover ceremony in the morning and a thanksgiving service in the afternoon.
In closing, Professor Rim-Rukeh expressed deep gratitude to the three Governing Councils he worked with, thanking them for their support throughout his tenure.
