FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PETROL RESOURCES, EFFURUN (FUPRE) MOVES TO ESTABLISH 4 NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), has taken another significant step towards expanding its academic frontiers following a comprehensive National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification Exercise for four proposed programmes.

The NUC delegation arrived at FUPRE on Monday, August 31, 2026, to assess the University’s readiness to commence programmes in Mechatronics, Physics Electronics, Meteorology and Maritime Science.

The verification covered qualified personnel, physical infrastructure, laboratories, specialised equipment, learning resources and other requirements necessary for effective programme delivery.

Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, FNIP, expressed appreciation to the NUC for its guidance and support, reaffirming FUPRE’s commitment to maintaining the standards expected of Nigeria’s specialised university for the development of middle- and high-level manpower for the petroleum and allied industries.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that the proposed programmes were strategically designed to address emerging skills gaps and respond to the evolving manpower needs of the oil and gas industry and the wider economy.

“As we expand our academic frontiers, we are guided by the need to remain relevant to the changing demands of the industry.”

Responding on behalf of the NUC delegation, Prof. Ita Ewa-Oboho commended FUPRE Management for proposing programmes he described as timely and relevant to Nigeria’s future development needs.

“We will conduct this exercise meticulously and judiciously because we are looking at the future of Nigeria.”

The four NUC teams subsequently conducted detailed assessments of the human, physical and academic resources available for the proposed programmes. At the conclusion of the exercise, the teams presented their observations and recommendations, identifying areas requiring further attention, particularly in facilities, specialised resources and institutional and industry collaborations.

Prof. Agbalagba thanked the NUC teams for their thorough assessment and constructive recommendations, assuring them that Management would carefully consider the observations and take the necessary steps to address the identified gaps in line with NUC requirements.

The Vice-Chancellor further reaffirmed FUPRE’s commitment to expanding its academic offerings in a manner consistent with its specialised mandate and strengthening the University’s capacity to respond to emerging developments across the petroleum, maritime and allied sectors.

FUPRE is expanding its academic frontiers, preparing for the future and building the highly skilled manpower Nigeria needs.