Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), has honoured its academic and non-academic staff, including Vice Chancellor, Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, for their innovations, research and contributions to the institution.
The ceremony was part of activities scheduled for outgoing VC, Prof Rim-Rukeh.
The award, split into four – patent, grant, recognition/appreciation, as well as fellowship and global categories, witnessed presentation of awards and certificates to 44 workers for service, innovations, and research achievements.
In his remarks, Rim-Rukeh thanked the FUPRE community for its support throughout his tenure, just as he congratulated awardees and reaffirmed his confidence in the university becoming a global centre of excellence in energy, engineering, and applied sciences.
“An award is a call to do more. Let us support one another to achieve goals laid by the founding fathers,” he said.
Rim-Rukeh was recognised for his visionary leadership and intellectual contributions, which include two patents and participation in international knowledge-sharing platforms such as PATLIB Seminar at African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akii Ibadodhe, who chaired the occasion, while describing the achievements of Rim-Rukeh administration as “phenomenal and wonderful,” hailed the team for the infrastructural development.
“I can see synergy at work. Everybody is contributing to ensure growth,” he stated.
In the Patent Category,, among others, FUPRE honoured researchers and inventors, whose intellectual property portfolios reflect significant scientific and technological advancement.
Other awardees in the patent category are Engr. Prof. C. Mgbemena (10 patents) and Engr. Dr. Omonigho Otanocha (10 patents), Engr. Prof. Godswill Ofualagba (8 patents), Engr. Prof. G. Uzedhe (6 patents), Engr. Dr. E. Emagbetere (6 patents), Engr. Prof. J. Agbakwuru (4 patents), Engr. Prof. C. Izelu, Dr. A. Ogunkeyede, Engr. Dr. W. Okologume, Engr. Dr. Benjamin Akinloye, Dr. E. Elemike, Engr. Prof. Thaddeus Chidi, and Dr. Kingsley Unueroh who also holds a copyright.
In the Grant Category, numerous faculty members including Prof. (Mrs.) O. E. Osafile who received a Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) National Research Grant of N44,000,000 and an international grant of €1,398,375, were honoured for securing national and international research funding.
Other grant award recipients are Prof. Arnold Adimabua Ojugo, Engr. Prof. C. O. Mgbemena, Engr. Prof. O. Samuel, Engr. Prof. G. Ofualagba, Engr. Prof. G. Uzedhe, Dr. Ogunkeyede, Dr. J. O. Oyekale, Engr. Dr. Omonigho Otanocha, and Engr. Dr. Modestus Okwu.
In the Recognition/Appreciation Category, several individuals were applauded for their dedicated service and contributions to the university. They include Dr. (Mrs.) E. Jane Omoyine, Dr. (Mrs.) E. F. D. Ogundeji, Mr. Garba Ya’u Nabayi, Prof. Doris F. Ogeleka, Prof. (Mrs.) Mercy I. Anyaegbu, Engr. Prof. Godswill Ofualagba, Ms. Melinda Ikre, Mr. Nurhe Kingsley Okeremute, Mr. Emojeghware Monday, Mr. John Oluwaseun Oluwalana, Mrs. Omojola Folashade, Mrs. Osigwa Christiana, and Mr. Godwin Agwah.
READ ALSO FUPRE begins waste management programme
