Members of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board of Trustees, South–South Zone, have visited the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), to review ongoing and completed TETFund-sponsored projects, as Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, appealed for sustained support to further strengthen the University’s initiatives in oil and gas education and research.

The visit followed a TETFund letter dated 29th April 2025, which informed the University of the Board’s plan to tour institutions within the South–South Zone. The letter also noted that Trustees might commission completed TETFund projects on behalf of the President, underscoring the strategic importance of the visit for both the institution and the region.

In his welcome remarks, Professor Agbalagba expressed profound appreciation to the Board, describing the visit as a thing of joy and the first of its kind to the University. He acknowledged TETFund as the principal financier of most of FUPRE’s infrastructural and academic projects, noting that its interventions have been pivotal to the University’s rapid growth and transformation.

“FUPRE has continued to make the best use of every opportunity and support provided by TETFund,”
the Vice-Chancellor stated.

Professor Agbalagba highlighted several high-impact projects requiring the Board’s attention, particularly the 640-bedspace students’ hostel, which he said remains crucial to student welfare and accommodation. He noted that the hostel, alongside the newly completed administration building and university library, forms the backbone of campus infrastructure. He, however, appealed to TETFund to prevail upon the contractor to expedite the completion of the hostel to ease accommodation challenges faced by students.

Turning to academic innovation, the Vice-Chancellor drew attention to the ongoing construction of the Petroleum Visualization Centre, which he described as a transformative facility for training and research in the oil and gas sector.

“This state-of-the-art Centre will simulate oil and gas operations, provide hands-on training, enable real-time monitoring of live wells, and serve as a hub for research, innovation, and practical industry engagement,”
he explained.

He further emphasized the Centre’s potential as a revenue-generating platform, offering consultancy services such as simulation, equipment testing, and process optimization for the oil and gas industry — reducing costs for companies that currently seek such services abroad while generating income for FUPRE. Professor Agbalagba therefore appealed for TETFund’s continued support in providing the necessary equipment to make the Centre fully operational.

Responding, Hon. Aboh Uduyok, South–South representative on the TETFund Board of Trustees and leader of the visiting delegation, described the mission as a hands-on fact-finding exercise integral to TETFund’s oversight role. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based reporting in shaping policies and funding recommendations. “If we are speaking, we should be speaking from the point of knowledge and not paper knowledge,”
Hon. Uduyok said, urging the University to maintain transparency and accountability with regards to all TETFund-funded projects within the university.

He assured the Vice-Chancellor of TETFund’s continued commitment to supporting FUPRE’s growth and deepening its impact in oil and gas education and research.

Following an interactive session, the delegation toured several ongoing and completed TETFund projects across the campus, engaging with University officials on project implementation and impact. The visit reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s tertiary education system through sustainable funding, oversight, and institutional partnerships.

In attendance were key University officers, including:
Prof. (Mrs.) Omosede E. Osafile (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic),
Dr. (Mrs.) E. Jane Omoyine (Registrar),
Mr. Garba ‘Yau Nabayi (Bursar),
Prof. Mercy Anyaegbu (University Librarian),
Arch. Oniovoefe Ekuerhare (Ag. Director, Physical Planning and Development),
Mr. Victor Nwora (Head, Directorate of Media and Public Relations),
Mrs. Tessy Yegbeburu and Mr. Isaac Ogbra (Chief Public Relations Officers),
Mr. Eugene Okojie (Principal Assistant Registrar and Special Assistant to the VC), and
Mr. Odiri Ogibga (Senior Assistant Registrar, VC’s Office).

The TETFund delegation comprised Mr. Kalu Okoro (South–South Coordinator), Mr. Ekpeyong Nsa Ayi (Assistant Director), Mr. Amos Anetekhai (CEO), Engr. Ifeanyi Ogbona (Assistant Chief Engineer), Mr. Aboh Jonhason (Chief of Staff), and Ms. Awasiya Metong (Protocol Officer).

Reported by the Directorate of Media and Public Relations, (FUPRE)