New Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, has said collaboration, consultation and commitment to set the university apart in petroleum research and education, will be the road map for his tenure.
Agbalagba spoke as he was handed the mantle of leadership by his predecessor, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh at the school’s auditorium on Friday.
Hinting that community engagement, as well as interface with industry stakeholders are top priorities of his administration, he said a blueprint to achieving his vision and goal would be rolled out soon.
“Collaboration, consultation and commitment will guide us. In the coming weeks, l will present a five-year plan as roadmap, outlining our vision and goal,” he said.
He promised to embark on expansion, upgrade and maintenance of infrastructure to support and sustain academic and professional growth.
Commending Rim-Rukeh for his transformative leadership that laid the foundation for development and progress, Agbalagba pledged to build on the legacy and further elevate FUPRE’s reputation in Nigeria and globally.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Education for the appointment, and hailed Chair of the governing councils, Bello Issa and members for their encouragement.
Agbalagba lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, monarchs – Ovie of Uvwie, Abe I; Orodje of Okpe, Orhue I; Ovie of Agbarha- Otor for their support.
Rim-Rukeh noted that he made FUPRE globally connected with transformative research and teaching in the forefront of leadership in energy discoveries to benefit society.
He said on resumption of duty, despite challenges of COVID 19, he hit the ground running and today, among others, the school established 21 new academic programmes.
The outgone Vice Chancellor also thanked God for a successful tenure.
Highlight of the handover ceremony was the presentation of a note, school flag and a copy of the Holy Bible by the outgone Vice Chancellor to his successor, Prof. Agbalagba amidst cheers.
The official handover was followed swiftly by a thanksgiving ceremony that was graced by FUPRE management, staff and other guests.
