Effurun, Delta State | 19th June 2025

As part of a nationwide effort to assess compliance with the 2021 Presidential Visitation White Papers, a Monitoring Team from the Federal Ministry of Education concluded its three-day visit to the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. 

The exercise, covering the periods 2011–2015 and 2016–2020, aimed to verify FUPRE’s implementation of the Visitor’s directives, following a formal memo dated May 22, 2025, from Mrs. R. G. Ilyasu, Director of University Education, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Education, requesting the University’s full cooperation.

During the visit, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba warmly welcomed the team, assuring them of FUPRE’s full support. He noted the presence of all principal officers and union leaders, emphasizing the University’s commitment to transparency and collaborative engagement throughout the exercise.

Professor Agbalagba, who assumed office on May 4, 2025, highlighted his deep familiarity with the University, having previously served as Chairman of the ASUU chapter at FUPRE. He said this experience gives him a clear understanding of the White Paper recommendations and the University’s duties to the Visitor, and reaffirmed his confidence in the University’s commitment to implementing all directives.

The Team Lead, Mr. Owolabi Charles, Deputy Director of University Education, explained that the evaluation was being conducted across all 38 Federal Universities to assess their compliance with the 2023 White Papers following the 2021 visitation. He said that for FUPRE, the focus was on compliance in areas such as financial management, Council governance, and administration for the periods 2011–2015 and 2016–2020.

He added that the findings will be compiled into a report for the President and Visitor, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and will also inform preparations for the 2026 visitation. Mr. Owolabi was accompanied by Mrs. Mercy Olajubu and Mrs. E. I. Abeku, both from the University Education Department.

The visit coincided with the University’s 5th Governing Council Meeting, allowing the Monitoring Team to meet and engage directly with Council members. Team Lead Mr. Owolabi stressed the Council’s key role in implementing the White Paper’s recommendations and sought updates on actions taken. The team reviewed all requested documents, including reports and audit records, and examined the terms of reference to assess compliance across both review periods.

The Governing Council expressed strong support for the process and acknowledged its role in driving reforms. It confirmed an ongoing forensic audit and progress on several key actions. The Council also disclosed that ₦400 million allegedly recovered by the EFCC has not yet been remitted to the University, prompting further follow-up. Other issues discussed included recovering improperly paid allowances, reviewing staff placement and procurement, scrutinizing library equipment, and boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted the university’s funding shortfall caused by the non-implementation of the Establishment Act, which specifically provides for specialized funding to support its development. He noted that even a sister institution with a more limited mandate receives such oil and gas remunerations, emphasizing that this funding gap has led to unique challenges for the university, particularly in manpower, staff accommodation—exacerbated by high local rent—and the difficulties staff face commuting from distant locations.

As part of his submissions, ASUU FUPRE Chairman, Engr. Dr. Wilfred Okologume, emphasized the need for the Federal Government to comply fully with the provisions of the FUPRE Establishment Act, particularly those relating to staff welfare in line with standards obtainable in the oil and gas industry. He also stressed the importance of constituting the University’s Governing Council with adequate representation from the oil and gas sector, as clearly outlined in the Act.

All relevant documents requested by the Monitoring Team were provided, and the terms of reference for the two White Papers were reviewed to assess implementation progress. Areas yet to be completed were highlighted, with both management and the Council promising to address them promptly.

In attendance were key officers of the University, including Engr. Prof. C. N. Uwabor (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration), Prof. (Mrs.) Omosede E. Osafile (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics), Dr. (Mrs.) E. Jane Omoyine (Registrar), Mr. Garba Yau Nabayi (Bursar), and Prof. Mercy Anyaegbu (University Librarian). They actively participated in the exercise, provided the required responses to the Monitoring Team’s inquiries, and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the process.

Also present were ASUU Chapter Secretary, Engr. Dr. Eyere Emagbatere; SSANU Vice Chairman, Mr. Azoma Desmond; SSANU Secretary, Mrs. Esther Anidi; SSANU Treasurer, Mr. Nimibofa Doumokuma; and NAAT Secretary, Mr. Orusede Akpos. SSANU Chairman, Mr. Gabriel Stanley, and NAAT Chairman, Mr. Edah Emmanuel. Also in attendance were Barr
. Raymond Ogeah (Legal Unit), Mrs. Melinde Ikre (Special Assistant to the VC), Mrs. Tessy Yegbeburu and Mr. Isaac Ogbra (Chief PROs), and Mr. Joshua Ndugbesi (Senior Assistant Registrar).