In this exclusive interview Professor Akpofure Rim- Rukeh provides a comprehensive exploration on his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Petroleum Resource, Efurru, Delta State (FUPRE), incorporating key milestones, achievements, and his leadership philosophy.Professor Akpofure has propelled FUPRE to new heights, balancing the demands of academic rigor and industry relevance while laying the groundwork for a sustainable future in energy education. He spoke to Chidipeters Okoire in Nigeria:. The interview is edited for clarity:
Can we meet you, Prof.
I am Engr. Prof Akpofure Rim- Rukeh, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Resources Effurun Delta State. I have a distinguished academic background and extensive industry experience. Am a highly motivated and hardworking individual, excelling University Teacher/Administration, Researcher and Writer with creditably over sixty articles in International and National Scientific journals and has presented over twenty technical papers at various scientific meetings. I am an academic professor of excellence in microbial corrosion and environmental studies. I have contributed to knowledge through the publication of the following books, namely: 1/ Environmental Science: An Introduction; 2/ Safety in the Process Industry; 3/ Energy: Development, Utilisation; 4/ Environmental Management Tools: Procedure and Practice, 5/Multiple Choice Questions in Environmental Science, 6/Calculations in Environmental Science, 7/Environmental Science Entrepreneurship: From Classroom to Board Room and 8/Understanding Field Measurement in Environmental Science.
I have a proven track record of success in University Administration at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Delta State (Ag. Dean of Students’affairs; Ag. Dean of College of Science; Ag. Director SIWES; Branch Chairman Academic Staff Union of Universitie (ASUU) and serve as Chairman of various University commitees. I served as the University the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Acting Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor (2018 – date).
Over the years, I have developed excellent networking skills that have resulted in the development of over 58 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Oil & Gas projects, from cradle to grave for a number oil and gas and related companies most especially at Nigeria Agip Oil Company as an In-House Environmental Consultant and Federal Ministry of Environment.
I take delight in surpassing target, resolving business support issues and on-time delivery on tasks.
Accountability, commitment, integrity and reliability are my key words in any duty.
Academically, I hold a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Rivers State University, along with a Master’s in Chemical Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from the University of Port Harcourt. I also have a Post-Graduate Diplomas in Education. I have served as an in-house Environmental Consultant at Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from 2003 to 2008, where I focused on Health, Safety, and Environment. I joined the services of Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun Delta State in August, 2008.
Am a member and fellow of a number of professional organisations as; Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers, International Institute of Risk and Safety Management, Fellow of Chemical Society of Nigeria: International Research and Development Institute; Fellow Nigeria Environmental Society, The International Association for Impact Assessment, America Society of Chemical Engineers, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IchemE),
Member, Chatham House, London, Fellow: Nigerian Corrosion Association (NiCA), Fellow: Nigeria Institution for Safety Engineers (NiSafeftyE), Fellow of Human Rights (FHR) Presented by Human Rights Network International (HUNETI), Fellow: Institute of Human and Natural Resources – Golden Legend of Professionalism.
How did you come about becoming a Vice Chancellor of a University in Nigeria by way of your academic background?
In Nigeria, Vice Chancellor is the executive head of the University. He is the principal academic and administrative officer. Expectedly, he or she should be a distinguished scholar with a reputable standing in his/her field. This is in addition to garnering comprehensive administrative experience in the course of his life. The Vice Chancellor is responsible for the overall direction, organization and administration of the academic and administrative functions of the University. The selection of a new VC is an opportunity for a university to take stock, consider new directions, and identify the individual with the appropriate academic leadership and administrative skills best suited to lead an institution into its future. It may also be the single most important way to make a quantum leap in University leadership depending on how effective the procedures are in selecting an outstanding candidate and how good the results are in serving institutional needs at that point in its life.
The advert for the post of Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources was placed in two national dailies; Daily Trust of Tuesday November 26, 2019 and The Guardian of Tuesday November 26, 2019. The advert clearly stated the qualities and qualifications of the candidate/applicant.
I joined the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in 2008 as a Lecturer in the University and I have actually responded to academic growth and development and eventually became a Professor in 2016.
Having examine the listed criteria and marching it against my CV, I took a deep breath and looked unto heaven. I got convinced on the need to response to advert of the University for the office of the Vice Chancellor especially after detailed consultation with major stakeholders of the University community. On 10th December, 2019, I submitted my application letter accompanied with my vision statement.
The tenure appointment of Prof A. O. Akii Ibhadode my predecessor will come to an end on 4th May 2020 but on 23rd March 2020, the letter appointing me as the 4th Substantive Vice Chancellor was presented to me and subsequently accepted the appointment. The appointment was for a single term of five (5) years with effect of 4th May 2020.
What could you say are your achievements and legacies in the past five years?
I have set a very tall agenda with a Vision statement crafted as “To make FUPRE a globally connected petroleum university whose transformative research and teaching places the University at the forefront of leadership in energy discoveries benefiting to society as a whole.” Transforming the vision statement into reality revolves round the following six pillars of (i) Teaching and Learning Excellence, (ii) Achieve Research Excellence, (iii) Achieve Increased Funding (iv) Attract Regional/International Faculty and Students, (v) Attract International and National Academic Partners and (vi) International and National Industry Partners. Against these pillars were the following goals; Teaching and Learning Excellence, Research Excellence, Increased sources of Funding, Attract Regional/International Faculty and Student, Attract International and National Academic Partners, International and National Industry Partners, Student Matters, Staff Matters, Physical and Infrastructural Facilities, Provision of Information Technology and Introduction of New Academic Programs.
In line with the set goals, I can confidently say that my achievements and legacies in the past five years are; aggressive physical infrastructure, increase in academic programmes, increase in the established centres of academic of excellence, increased development of patents and copy rights, academic excellence of students, friendly university community, etc.
Can you point to me one or two legacies on academic excellence you have set out?
For example, when I came in there were only seven patents developed by lecturers of this University. But today there are 34 patents. There is increase of Centres of academic excellence from 7 to 18. Expansion of academic programs from 15 to 24 and introducing 9 new courses.
That takes me to the flagship program of the University which is Petroleum Research. In this area, what are your legacies?
FUPRE has gained global recognition for its engineering excellence, with students achieving remarkable success in prestigious competitions. Our students’ output is massive. FUPRE students secured 3rd place globally at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) competition, were champions at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) competition, and earned 1st place at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) conference. In 2023, three FUPRE students completed the NCDMB-Schlumberger Technology Enhancement Program, where they emerged as first-place winners, underscoring the university’s ability to equip students with cutting-edge software development skills. These achievements are not flukes. The teaching and learning of engineering here are the best in the country.
This success is supported by world-class resources, including locally built equipment in the Department of Petroleum Engineering that meets international standards, alongside advanced software and computers donated by NCDMB.
FUPRE also prioritizes student success, with over 100 scholarships awarded by organizations like Dragnet, NNPC, and Shell. Companies keep coming back for our graduates. The Centre for Career Services ensures students are prepared for careers in the energy and tech industries.
The university’s focus on diversity, equity, and student-centered education fosters an environment where every student feels valued. We have a community where every student is inspired to reach their fullest potential. The teaching and learning in Petroleum Engineering at FUPRE is exceptional, as reflected in the outstanding achievements of our students and lecturers.
In COP29 that is going on now, they’re talking about Climate change vis-à-vis …what are you doing in this direction?
As a University we have taken steps to contribute to tackling the challenges of Climate Change. We have Natural gas engineering that is focused on generating future change agents in climate change dynamics. FUPRE is setting new standards, positioning itself as a global leader in addressing climate change challenges through education, research, and innovation (establishment of Centre for Climate Change Research, Centre for Atmospheric Research and Integrated Institute for Environment and Development). The FUPRE Centre for Atmospheric Research have collaboration with Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and recently they donate an automated weather station to FUPRE, for data collection on parameters relating to weather and climate change. The two centres jointly marked the World Ozone Day on the 16th September 2024 and had a town rally to market places to create awareness on ozone layer depletion, climate change and global warming.
We have also champion the use of solar cells technology. To this end we have 3.5MW power of solar and powering our academic departments using solar systems.
Plans are nearing conclusion on the establishment of Renewable Energy Engineering Department.
How many students have you graduated now in this University?
We started graduating students in 2012 and have so far graduated 12 sets of students in this University.
How many students with international standards have you graduated?
We have so many. If you go to Dangote, the last recruitment they did, we have 17 of them working in that refinery. Recently, a scheme initiated by Dangote titled ‘‘trained and absorbed’’ had 38 FUPRE graduates listed, the graduands would be trained and absorbed into the company after a training period of nine (9) months. The graduates cut across Departments of Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering and so on. In addition, if you go to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Gas Company Limited, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and so on, you will see our graduates working there.
Mr. Vice Chancellor sir, how is your relationship with the students
The problem with the students and management has been the close door policies of that management. My door is always open to the students. Time has passed where confrontation was the issue of the day between management and students. These days’ management of the University is between the students and management themselves. Since I assumed office, my students are partners in progress and they’re no longer called Unions. If you go to Hostel B, the Solar system there they used their Union dues to build it. Go to hostel A and B, they did the same thing. They called me the other day that the system there is ready for commissioning. If they’re going for a program, they get support from management. In fact, the campus life of our students is excellent. And that’s what we call the students life experience. We give opportunities to involve in cultural activities and other games activities.
What about the students-lecturer relationship?
That is another beauty of the whole thing. You know in an environment that is so conducive for learning, you can approach a lecturer while working on the street. The building block of this idea actually started from the pioneer Vice Chancellor who said that, “See the student as your child”. That’s how we operate here. Yes, there may be pockets of those who are aggressive but generally the relationship between the students and the staff remains cordial.
You have few months to go, what do you have as legacies to show?
In addition to my response earlier, I want add to state the support for my colleagues to enroll in academic international platform like Google Scholar and Research Gate and publication in high impact journals. The outcome of this encouragement has yielded the expected results with the likes of Prof Abiola, Prof Samuel, Dr Emeneke, being ranked amongst the first 50 Researchers in the world. Prof Samuel is number 2 in Electrical Electronics.
Can you say you have enjoyed sponsorship in terms of development?
We are still very far from it. We’ve not really enjoyed that Government patronage at all. The only agency that has finally come to our aide is Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund), who has actually over the years given us what we call special intervention for physical infrastructure development and sometimes they also fund training, research, conference attendance and book publication. It’s only Tetfund, but says from every other ministries, No. The only thing the Federal Government do is to pay salaries and send little money to us for overhead which is not even enough to buy diesel for power generation.
NUC giving out licenses for Universities to run distant programmes, how far have you gone on this?
We have a Center for Open and Distant Learning but we’re yet to fully take advantage of that center. We just bought equipment now. What is the delay?. We still need to train the resource persons that would man that equipment, which we’re going to look at any time from now. By January next year I think we will commence those programs. I’ve already asked my lecturers to start submitting their materials for the selected courses that would run online.
How do you want your Vice Chancellorship to be remembered after you have exited this seat?
Everybody would remember Akpofure for aggressive infrastructure development. They can attest to that. Everybody would attest to the fact that Prof Akpofure expanded the academic programs of the University. Everybody would remember that Akpofure pursued aggressive research and development. Everybody would remember that Akpofure encouraged innovations. There’s a Professor sitting directly opposite you, she has developed a pot made of clay and nylon materials that can turn impure water to pure water – clean, proven acceptable. We’re looking for patent. We’ve also invested in NRF and they said we should submit our documents.
You just mentioned infrastructure development, research, what more VC?
Improved welfare of staff, because there was a time before I came in, staff morale was really down, but as soon as we started encouraging them by pulling out the best worker in every unit and recognizing them and giving out award, things began to change. I started it was the Bursary Unit and one of them was recognized and so on.
Another aspect of FUPRE development was the need to improve the visibility of the University. You may recall that University started at Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) conference Centre. In 2021, I had to face these obstacles, by spearheading the FUPRE Roundtable 2021 held at at the Transcorp Hiltin in Abuja, a key event that brought together government officials, industry leaders, and alumni to explore funding solutions. This strategic gathering not only raised FUPRE’s visibility but also paved the way for critical partnerships, marking a pivotal moment in the university’s trajectory and positioning it for future growth and development. Collaboration with the European Patent Organisation on PATLIB Knowledge Transfer to Africa: FUPRE is among the first group of universities in Africa on the PATLIB Knowledge Transfer to Africa initiative, which entered its operational phase in August. FUPRE successfully scaled through the proof of concept phase and has received the EPO course catalogue additional services (e.g. tailored training given by PATLIB experts) and planned future activities (e.g. mentoring and twinning).
With input from the participating universities, the EPO drafted individual development plans (IDPs) to ensure participants benefit from the initiative. Based on these IDPs, the PATLIB team compares the participants’ needs with the EPO’s current training catalogue to identify gaps. As a next step, PATLIB experts and the EPO will develop additional training to complement the current courses.
To further commend our activities on the PATLIB knowledge transfer to Africa. The EPO sponsored two staff to Harare, Zimbabwe in December 2021 for the PATLIB seminar “IP awareness sessions on patents and innovation for Africa”, jointly organised and funded by AfrIPI, ARIPO and EPO.
The innovative capacity inherent in the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun was displayed on Thursday, 26th August, 2023 when three of its innovations were among 17 portfolio companies unveiled after a 7-month incubation programme initiated by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in partnership with the Nigerian chapter of Founder Institute (FI), based in Silicon Valley, California, United States. The 17 successful startup companies were among 54 others that participated in the research and innovation-based training programme at the Technology Incubation and Innovation Centre (TIIC), signaling intensification of its capacity building initiatives that birthed its Project 100 companies a few years ago where such indigenous companies were nurtured into big players in the oil and gas industry by way of funding and creating access to markets.
FUPRE’s groundbreaking patented innovations to be developed include:
- Pressurized water-driven micro turbine electric generator (PH2O-GEN) that harnesses the potential of water as fuel for powering communities;
- An automated Oil and Gas Pipeline Vandalization Detection System, that eliminates pipeline vandalization and
- The Smart Multichannel Energy Meter – for metering multiple energy users and eliminating energy theft.
Each of the 17 portfolio companies had an opportunity to highlight its product unique selling propositions, while signifying their desire for equity participation by prospective industry partners and investors. Members of the dynamic and innovative FUPRE team include Engr. Professor Godswill Ofualagba, Prof. Godwin Obruozie Uzedhe, Engr. Kingsley Okeoghene Enalume, Engr. Charles Kevwe Igbinoba, Engr. Aaron Okiemute Onyan, Mr. Thomas Akhalumeh, Mr. Solomon Ikpekpe, Miss Winifred Aideyan and Miss Angel Ogwezzy.
Research and Innovation: As an innovative and Research-intensive University, we are aggressively pursuing socially impactful research activities with utility value and practical application. To this end the University have development a Policy on Research Direction.
The AD Scientific Index 2024 has ranked FUPRE’s top academics based on their contributions to research and scholarly output. These outstanding individuals: Prof. Arnold Adimabua Ojugo; Dr. Olusegun David Samuel; Dr. Elias E. Elemike; Prof. Olusegun K. Abiola; Dr. Saturday U. Omeluzor; Prof. Abimbola Ogunsipe; Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba; Prof. Chiedu N. Owabor; Prof. Adeyemi Olalekan andn Dr. Eghwerido Joseph Thomas, have played a pivotal role in raising the university’s profile as a leader in energy research.
These individuals are not only contributing to FUPRE’s academic excellence but are also shaping the future of energy research in Nigeria and globally. Their work spans various disciplines within the energy sector, from petroleum engineering and renewable energy to environmental sustainability and energy policy.
Strengthening Global Ties. FUPRE’s international collaborations are an essential component of the university’s growth and reputation. By partnering with institutions such as Girne University, Cyprus, and University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, FUPRE has expanded its research capacity and academic footprint. These partnerships not only provide students with international exposure but also foster collaborative research projects that address global energy challenges.
Looking ahead, FUPRE’s collaborations with Brunel University of London and the University of Lancaster will further elevate the university’s standing in the global academic community, opening new avenues for research, student exchanges, and academic partnerships.
Beyond the Vice Chancellorship of the University, what else?
The passion of every academician is to contribute to the growth and development of his country. Exiting the seat of the Vice Chancellor is just exiting administrative component of the role of a Professor. That component which is research, training teaching and community service are all still available for me to participate in and I hope that is the next area.
My VC sir, where do you see this University in the next five years?
Looking ahead, my vision for FUPRE is bold and ambitious: “In the next five years, I see FUPRE emerging as one of the frontline, globally ranked universities in the comity of specialized petroleum universities. We’ve built the foundation, and now we’re ready to soar.” Under my leadership, FUPRE has set the stage for a future marked by continued excellence, international recognition, and ground-breaking contributions to the energy sector.
My legacy at FUPRE will undoubtedly be one of transformative growth. My tenure has been marked by aggressive infrastructural development, the establishment of centres of excellence, and the expansion of academic programs, all of which have enhanced opportunities for students, faculty, and the institution as a whole. The foundation he has laid will serve as a springboard for FUPRE’s continued success, both academically and globally.
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