The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources FUPRE, Effurun, Delta State, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh has said that his administration would be driven by research-oriented programmes for all-round accelerated growth and development of the institution.
He disclosed this while presenting his scorecard on his first 100 days in office as the Vice Chancellor of the Institution.
The Engineering Professor further noted that since he assumed office as the Institution Vice Chancellor, the University has signed two research-related Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with two different research companies, Weltek Research Limited and Onose Deep Oil and Gas Limited, saying that Weltek Research Limited is to focus on Innovation in Petroleum Refining, Onose Deep Oil and Gas Limited is to promote technological transfer in technical areas in Oil and Gas.
Highlighting more of his achievements, the Vice Chancellor revealed that it was also the plan of his administration to increase funding in the University.
This, he said the Institution would generate through a properly strategized means which includes; includes venturing into business such as banking, Water production, Animal Production, Fisheries, Book Publishing and others.
He also noted that his administration had put in place a directorate for International Development to promote student exchange and teaching partnerships as well as joint research on global issues, amongst others.
Professor Akpofure during the presentation, further said that his administration would ensure staff promotion carried out as and when due, adding that the 2020 promotion exercise is ongoing in the Institution.
On shortage of office spaces for both staff, classroom and laboratories, the VC told staff that in addressing this issue, a policy of naming the University properties in honor of benefactors who made huge financial donation to enhanced the teaching, research and public service mission of the University was introduced by his administration and has also been approved by the Governing Council of the University. These he said will encourage outsiders to join hand in developing the University.
He also disclosed that in his hundred days in office, his team has made available Finder’s Fee Policy which has been approved by the Governing Council of the University and as well the creation of a Public Private Partnership (PPP). A model he said, geared towards Building, Operating and Transferring, (BOT).
He highlighted some of such project to include construction of Cafeteria Services for Students, construction of a building to serve as Senior Staff Club, construction of a building to set e as Junior Staff Club, a construction of Post Graduate Students Hostel, Hostels for International Students, Female Hostels and many others.
Other achievements mentioned included Ongoing Infrastructural Development of the University by Federal Ministry of Education (NEEDS ASSESSMENT), and Introduction of New Academic Programmes in the Institution.
Professor Akpofure who harps on research oriented innovation, challenged all academic staff of the university to be up and doing in the areas of research and development.
He said the world is growing fast and as a result, there is every need to make research in every area especially a petroleum University such FUPRE.
