Oghenetejiri Nyerhovwo
The Federal Government has promised to improve as well as sustain specialized funding of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun(FUPRE)to enable the specialized university to achieve it’s set statutory obligations of training of manpower for the oil and gas sector.
This assurance was made by President Muhammadu Buhari, Visitor to the university during the University’s Third Convocation Ceremony, he called on critical stakeholders to join hands with the Federal Government in funding critical infrastructures as well as sponsor Programmes in the University to enable the specialized institution deliver on its mandate.
According to President Buhari who was represented by Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum, “task of building this University entails specialized funding, and we shall on our part continue to demonstrate greater commitment by providing strategic interventions and funding via relevant agencies for enhanced productivity in the pursuit of the mandate and objectives of the;university. We are committed to repositioning the University, and the quest for FUPRE to stand Nigeria taller in the comity of oil and gas universities across the world cannot be over emphasized. I therefore urge the leadership of this University to sustain the trajectory of excellence and relevance which you have adopted and imbibed as your motto.”
On his call on stakeholders to work in collaboration with the Federal Government, President Buhari has this to say, “let me at this point also appeal to all stakeholders to join hands with
the Federal Government in funding critical infrastructures and
sponsership.of programmes in this University. It is time to collaborate with the University to commercialize its diverse research products for the benefit of the Nigerian economy and our society at large.”
President Buhari further promised, “I want to assure you that the Federal Government will continue to provide infrastructural, research facilities and equipment for the purpose of promoting teaching, learning and research, thereby enhancing the
the growth and development of this University. I admonish you to apply transparency and accountability in the management of financial and material resources made available to the University.
as we are devising creative ways to position itself as the one-stop training institution.”
President Buhari urged management of the University to train new breed of engineers, scientists, researchers and others for national growth.
In his address of welcome, Engr. (Prof.)Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, Vice Chancellor, FUPRE called for a robust synergy between the oil industry and academia.
Engr. Akpofure said that the gesture would help to improve the speedy development of the local content policy of the federal government in the oil and gas sector.
The vice chancellor said that the University was opened for collaboration to maximise the local content policy by developing products, equipment and tools that were apparently needed in the industry.
According to the Vice Chancellor, “I assumed office as Vice Chancellor on May 4, 2020 and it will be a great privilege to conduct the final rites of academic passage for the graduands of the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 academic sessions. The ceremony is for the awards of First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Master Degrees to those who have received adequate training properly and found worthy both in character and learning.”
Prof. Akpofure disclosed that a total of 1,409 graduating students would be given their certificates, adding, “I am happy to inform you that a total of 1,409 made up of 1,201 First Degrees, 101 Postgraduate Diplomas and 107 Masters Degrees) graduands will be receiving their certificates from our two Colleges and Post Graduate Studies. The figures comprised of First Class 24, Second Class (Upper Division) 438, Second Class (Lower Division) 619 and Third Class Degrees 120 respectively.”
He disclosed that the University prides itself in equipping students with the technical know-how and leadership skills to thrive in the modern world.
In his remarks, Prof. Anthony Gozie Anwukah, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of FUPRE appealed to the Federal Government to establish a funding policy to cater for financial challenges confronting the University.
According to the Pro-Chancellor, “there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Adequate funding is required to get there and reap the benefits.”
Prof. Anwuka added, “Council conscientiously appeals to the Federal Government to take a deliberate step in implementing to the letter all sections of the University Establishment Act both in capital project development, facilities and staff welfare. It is quite apt to state that a properly motivated workforce is necessary in making the University a global Centre of excellence with the capacity to attract the best of expertise.”
Also speaking, HRM. Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa 11 Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Chancellor of FUPRE said that they being the University’s caretaker, they would leverage on government support to take the institution to the next level.
According to HRM Ajayi, “on our part, as caretakers of the University, we shall do all in our powers to leverage on government support and take the University to the next level so as to ensure that the core mandate of the University is realised in due course”.
The chancellor commended parents and guardians for standing firm against the enormous challenges confronting the education sector.
Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of honorary doctorate degrees to five distinguished personalities including Mr Daniel Omoyibo, Managing Director of Damotec h Company, Mr. Alfred I. Okoigu, Engr. Rotimi Williams Ajileye.
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