The Governing Council of the Federal University of Petroleum, Effurun (FUPRE) in Delta State, has appointed Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Mr Issa Bello, Pro-Chancellor of the university, disclosed this at a news briefing on Friday at the institution”s campus in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Bello said that 39 candidates were shortlisted and interviewed for the position with Agbalagba emerging successful at the end of the exercise.
He added that Agbalagba’s selection was based on merit as well as his academic experience and leadership qualities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Agbalagba is a Professor of Environment and Radiation Physics and a former Dean of the Faculty of Science in the university.
He was also one-time Chairman of the Academics Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in FUPRE.
The new VC, who was presented to the university community on Friday, takes over from his predecessor, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, whose five-year tenure expires on May 4.
Speaking on the development, Prof. Rim-Rukeh expressed joy at the seamless transition.
According to him, the process leading to the emergence of his successor was smooth and simple.
NAN reports that FUPRE was established in March 2007 by the Federal Government to produce high level manpower and relevant expertise for the oil and gas sector. (NAN)
