Post-Event Feature: How FUPRE’s 4th Convocation Marked a New Era of Excellence in Nigeria’s Energy Sector
By Wilson Macaulay
FUPRE, Nigeria’s pioneer petroleum university, made a bold statement as a leading centre for manpower training in the energy sector at its just concluded 4th convocation ceremony.
Introduction:
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Nigeria’s premier petroleum university, has once again reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and research-driven innovation. The institution marked a historic milestone during its 4th Convocation Ceremony, held on March 14–15, 2025, by graduating its first set of PhD students and unveiling an impressive portfolio of 42 patents and two copyrights. These achievements solidified FUPRE’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, manpower training, and industrial collaboration in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Beyond the elaborate celebrations, the event also underscored FUPRE’s forward-thinking approach with the launch of its inaugural Research and Innovation Fair, with the theme “Innovation for Economic Growth”, and the Career Pathway Fair, tagged “Alumni Lecture”. The latter aimed to bridge the gap between academic training and professional development, equipping graduates with essential career guidance.
The Founder’s Day Lecture emphasized the need for the university to establish a Technology Transfer Office (TTO) to fast-track the commercialization of its intellectual property. The main convocation event, held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, attracted top dignitaries, including representatives from the Presidency, Delta and Edo state governors, and key industry leaders in the oil and gas sector.
FUPRE’s Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim Rukeh, played a pivotal role in all the events, highlighting the university’s key partnerships, curriculum expansions, and global recognition. His leadership he emphasized would continue to reinforce FUPRE’s standing as a leading institution shaping the future of petroleum engineering, energy sustainability, and technological advancement.
Below ,we present a chronological account of the events as they unfolded for our esteemed readers.
Press Briefing
Ahead of the 4th Convocation Ceremony, FUPRE’s Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim Rukeh, held a press briefing on March 3, 2025. Addressing members of the media at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, he reaffirmed FUPRE’s dedication to producing highly skilled manpower for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Prof. Rim Rukeh highlighted the university’s remarkable strides in academic excellence, research innovation, and industrial collaboration. He pointed out FUPRE’s strategic role in bridging the skills gap in the energy sector, positioning Nigeria as a global leader in Petroleum Engineering, Technology, and sustainable Energy development.
A key announcement during the Press briefing was that FUPRE now holds 42 patents and two copyrights, a testament to its commitment to technological advancement.
Research and Innovation Fair 2025
As part of the convocation activities, FUPRE hosted its Maiden Research and Innovation Fair on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, themed “Innovation for Economic Growth.”
The event brought together leading experts from academia, government, and industry to explore:
The role of research in industrial applications.
Innovations in energy and environmental sustainability.
Cutting-edge technologies developed at FUPRE.
Opportunities for collaboration between students, researchers, and industry players.
The event was chaired by Arch. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFUND, with Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of the Bank of Industry, delivering the keynote address. Both speakers emphasized the importance of innovation as a driver of economic growth.
In his opening remarks, Engr. Prof. Chinedum Mgbemena, Director of the Research & Innovation Centre, noted that while the center had achieved remarkable milestones, it remained committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
The Director-General/CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, delivered insightful contributions, further enriching the discourse.
The event concluded with an exhibition and pitching session at the Old Library Car Park, where participating companies and organizations shared goodwill messages.
Maiden Alumni Training/Career Fair 2025
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, FUPRE introduced the Maiden Career Fair, designed to provide graduates with clear career pathways and guidance on professional success.
Titled “An Epoch Career Fair for Empowering FUPRE Alumni for Global Career Success”, the event was led by Prof. Lawrence I.N. Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.
The question-and-answer session was handled by Prof. Doris Ogeleka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), while Dr. (Mrs.) Christiana Ogwuche facilitated networking sessions with various companies at the Old Library Car Park, much to the delight of participants.
Announcement of a New Vice-Chancellor
Following the successful Research & Innovation Fair and Career Fair, FUPRE’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Dr. Bello Gachi Issa, FNSE, officially announced Engr. Dr. Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo Agbalagba as the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE.
Founder’s Day Lecture
The Founder’s Day Lecture was delivered by Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, Executive Director of Hutzpa Innovations and Founder of the Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Fellowship.
Speaking on the theme, “Universities as Innovation Hubs: Are We There?”, Dr. Obiajunwa underscored the need for FUPRE to position itself as a center for scientific and industrial transformation.
He urged the university to accelerate the commercialization of its 42 patented inventions and two copyrighted intellectual properties, stressing that financial sustainability depends on transforming research into marketable solutions.
His thought-provoking lecture was widely applauded, with commendations from FUPRE’s Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Bello Gachi Issa, and External Council Member, Dr. Buba Fauziyya.
Convocation Ceremony – March 15, 2025
The grand convocation event, held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, saw the presence of top dignitaries, including:
Delta State Governor’s representative and Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
University Chancellor, HRM Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, and the Host Royal Father HRM Abe 1 DR Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso the Ovie of Uvwie kingdom and many other Royal Fathers who were Present.
Captains of industry, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON), Chief Dr. Leemon Ikpea (CON), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe (FNSE), and Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs and others were conferred with the FUPRE Doctorate degree Awards, Honorary Causa). HRM DR Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe 1 the Ovie of Uvwie kingdom the Host Royal Father of the Day and a long list of Royal Fathers and special dignitaries were on ground to add color to the array of personalities present during the ceremony
In his goodwill message delivered on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
as the visitor, ably represented by Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Munakurogha Adigio, Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting FUPRE’s mandate as a leading institution in energy education, research, and innovation.
FUPRE’s Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim Rukeh, in his speech celebrated the graduation of 3,369 students, including 2,683 undergraduates and 686 postgraduates, with 51 First-Class Honours.
He also highlighted new academic programs and collaborations, including:
College of Maritime and Offshore Studies – Maritime Transport and Logistics, Maritime Economics and Finance.
College of Computing – Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, PhD in Computer Science.
College of Petroleum Administration and Management – Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Procurement Management, Petroleum Information Management, and Entrepreneurship.
As FUPRE continues to expand its frontiers, the university remains committed to driving innovation, industrial collaboration, and academic excellence in Africa’s energy sector.
