BRIEF PROFILE OF ENGR. (PROF). AKPOFURE RIM-RUKEH
Engr. (Prof.) Akpofure Rim-Rukeh was appointed the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) at the 47th Resumed Meeting of the University Governing Council on Thursday 19th March, 2020.
Born 6th September 1965 in Ovu-Inland, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Prof. Rim-Rukeh obtained his PhD. in Chemical Engineering from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt in 2008. He got his Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry in 1986 (University of Port Harcourt), and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (Delta State University Abraka) in 2004. He also has a post Graduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the University of Benin in 1993 and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt (1998).
A Professor of excellence in Microbial Corrosion and Environmental Studies, Engr. (Prof.) Rim-Rukeh has garnered excellent networking skills which he has translated into the development of over 58 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Projects for various companies in the Petroleum sector and other allied establishments in Nigeria and beyond. He also worked between March 2003 and March 2008 as in-house Environmental Consultant with Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Port Harcourt in the Health, Safety and Environment Department, before proceeding to the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun in June 2008 as Lecturer I.
Engr. (Prof.) Rim-Rukeh rose to the rank of Associate Professor in October 2013 and eventually attained the prestigious position of Professor in October 2016 while holding sway at the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology.
Through dint of hard work and consistent value-addition to the academic system, Engr. (Prof.) Rim-Rukeh Akpofure was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) in June 2018. The environmental expert who has been Chairman of various strategic committees of the university was appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university over a cumulative period of six months.
At present, Engr. (Prof.) Rim-Rukeh has published over 50 articles in international and national scientific journals, presented over 20 technical papers at various scientific fora and authored five books.
He has been a member of the University Governing Council since June 2018, and has served in various high profile committees at Council before attaining the enviable position of the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.
As a member of many professional bodies including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE); Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN); Nigeria Environmental Society (NES); Internal Research and Development Institute (IRDI) and American Society of Chemical Engineers (ASCE), Engr. (Prof.) Rim-Rukeh has many years of administrative experience in strategic management and leadership in various capacities, which has earned him numerous Professional Awards/Certificates of Recognition.
An illustrious son of Ovu Town in Ethiope-West LGA, Delta State, Engr. (Prof.) Rim-Rukeh is the President/Executive Director of Ovu Foundation (a Non-Governmental Organization) that provides Educational Support. He is happily married and blessed with three children.
Engr. (Prof.) Akpofure Rim-Rukeh officially assumed duty on 4th May, 2020.
