FUPRE’s 4th Convocation: A Landmark Celebration of Academic Excellence, Innovation, and National Impact
By lsaac Ogbra
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, is set to celebrate the academic success of its students during its 4th Convocation Ceremony, which will take place from Wednesday, March 12th to Saturday, March 15th, 2025. This year’s convocation is particularly significant, marking the culmination of academic achievements from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.
This year’s convocation will also be a special occasion as FUPRE honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of both the university and the nation. The university will confer honorary degrees on distinguished figures such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group; High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi; Chief (Dr.) Leemon A. Ikpea, Group Chairman/CEO of Leemon Engineering; Engr. Femi Bajomo, Managing Director of First Hydrocarbon Ltd; Dr. S. Lulu-Briggs, Chairman/CEO of Moni Pulo Ltd; Engr. Gbenga Komolafe (FNSE), Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulator Commission (NUPRC). These individuals are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to various sectors, including engineering, business, and oil and gas.
The convocation week will feature a variety of activities designed to showcase the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation. On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the 1st FUPRE Research and Innovation Fair will be held with the theme “Innovation for Economic Growth,” featuring Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of the Bank of Industry, as the keynote speaker. On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the FUPRE Career Fair 2025 will take place with the theme “An Epoch Career Fair – Empowering FUPRE Alumni for Global Career Success,” and Prof. Lawrence I. N. Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, will be the keynote speaker. On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Convocation/Founders’ Day Lecture, themed “Universities Are Innovation Hubs: Are We There?” will feature Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa, an Innovation Consultant and Research Commercialization Expert, as the speaker. Finally, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, the Convocation Ceremony will take place at the Convocation Arena at 10:00 AM, where the graduates will receive their degrees.
Since the 3rd Convocation Ceremony held in June 2022, FUPRE has made remarkable progress in various areas. The university has expanded its academic offerings by establishing three new colleges: the College of Maritime and Offshore Studies, the College of Computing, and the College of Administration and Management. These additions align with FUPRE’s goal of providing globally competitive education and addressing the growing demand for professionals in critical sectors like oil and gas, maritime, and computing. The university has also made significant strides in its admission and accreditation processes, with 3,687 students admitted for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions, and 9 out of 10 programs submitted for accreditation receiving full accreditation while 1 had interim accreditation.
In the realm of research, FUPRE has strengthened its innovation portfolio, which now includes 42 patents, including 1 international patent and a copyright. FUPRE students have also achieved global recognition, with students securing 3rd place at the Society of Petroleum Engineers contest in New Orleans. FUPRE’s research and innovation milestones have also been acknowledged globally, as the university has consistently ranked among the top institutions for innovation in Nigeria. Most notably, the 2024 Times Higher Education Rankings placed FUPRE in the top 5% of universities globally for sustainable energy research and innovation. Additionally, FUPRE is proud to have been ranked in the top 10% of Nigerian universities for academic research output in petroleum and energy sectors.
Additionally, FUPRE has invested heavily in infrastructure development, with significant projects including the completion of the TETFUND High Impact Projects, such as the University Library, Central Administration Building, and Student Hostels. Ongoing projects include the construction of the Post Graduate School Hostel and the Abdul Samad Rabiu Center for Corrosion Research, all aimed at providing students with a world-class learning and living environment.
FUPRE’s strategic and infrastructural growth has been further supported by key partnerships with corporations such as Chevron, Shell, and ASR Africa, who have made significant contributions to the university’s success. Additionally, the university has received support from both the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori who is currently undertaking construction of the University’s access road, and the Federal Government through initiatives like the Education Loan Fund, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As the university prepares to celebrate this major milestone, Engr. (Prof.) Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the university’s stakeholders, including the government, faculty, staff, and students. He emphasized that the success of FUPRE reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the university’s growth and transformation.
FUPRE is committed to continuing its journey of excellence, producing globally competitive graduates, and contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. The 4th Convocation Ceremony is an important reflection of the university’s sustained growth, and FUPRE invites everyone to join in celebrating the achievements of its students and the institution.
