The Academic Staff Union of Universities chapter of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, has expressed confidence in the ability of the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, “to lead FUPRE towards greater achievements”.
This was contained in a statement signed by the ASUU FUPRE branch Chairperson, Wilfred C. Okologume, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Monday.
While congratulating Professor Agbalagba on his appointment as the institution’s next Vice Chancellor, the Union highlighted his past successes and contributions to the institution.
Specifically, the ASUU lauded Prof. Agbalagba’s remarkable leadership skills, academic prowess, and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of FUPRE.
Prof. Agbalagba was also the one-time Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities in FUPRE.
The statement partly reads, “On behalf of the ASUU, FUPRE Branch, I offer our warmest congratulations on your well-deserved appointment as the substantive Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, effective May 4th, 2025, for a five-year term.
“We are excited to see a serving Executive Committee (EXCO) member of our Union, along with our Immediate Past Chairperson (IPC), assume this leadership role at FUPRE. Your elevation to this position is a clear testament to your outstanding leadership qualities, academic excellence, and dedication to our Union.
“As IPC, you remain an integral part of our EXCO, and we eagerly anticipate your continued contributions. As you are aware, the IPC role is not subject to election, so there is no replacement for you! You’re with us for the duration!
“We also wish to express our profound gratitude to all internal candidates who participated in the VC selection process. Your dedication to FUPRE’s growth and development is genuinely commendable.
“The ASUU FUPRE branch congratulated Prof. Agbalagba once again on his well-deserved appointment and wished him every success in his new role”.
Recall that Prof. Agbalagba, a Professor of Environment and Radiation Physics and a former Dean of the Faculty of Science in FUPRE, was unveiled as the institution’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor last Friday by the Governing Council of the University.
The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Mr Issa Bello, while addressing journalists at the institution’s campus in Effurun, said that 39 candidates were shortlisted and interviewed for the position with Agbalagba emerging successful at the end of the exercise.
He added that the Agbalagba’s selection was based on merit as well as his academic experience and leadership qualities.
The new VC, who was formally presented to the university community on the occasion, takes over from his predecessor, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, whose five-year tenure expires on May 4.
Prof. Rim-Rukeh also spoke on the development, expressing joy at the seamless transition.
According to him, the process leading to the emergence of his successor was smooth and simple.
