FUPRE Poised to Become a Hub for Research and Innovation, Asserts Obiajunwa
...Directs Varsity to Speed Up Commercialization of Intellectual Property to Surmount Financial Hurdles
WARRI —Effurun, Delta State —March 2, 2025
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) has been referred to as a bastion of education, holding the promise to evolve into an international center for research and innovation, so long as it embraces the appropriate attitude and strategic methods.
Dr. Obicha Obiajunwa, who serves as the Executive Director of Hutzpa Innovations and founded the Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Fellowship, made this statement during his keynote speech at the Petroleum University Founder’s Day Lecture. The lecture’s theme was "Are Universities Centers for Innovation? – Have We Achieved This?"
During his insightful talk, Dr. Obiajunwa highlighted the importance of FUPRE transforming into a leading academic center with the ability to foster significant scientific advancements and reshape industries. He noted that the university’s targeted approach towards petroleum resources gives it a distinctive opportunity to lead pioneering studies which might revolutionize Nigeria’s energy sector.
He emphasized that for FUPRE to reach its complete potential, it needs to address significant financial limitations that typically impede progress in research and development. Encouraging university leaders to expedite the commercialization of its 41 patents and 2 copyright-protected intellectual assets, he highlighted that converting these research outcomes into commercially viable goods is essential for achieving long-term financial stability.
A university that doesn’t convert research into practical applications and marketable goods will find it difficult to maintain financial stability," noted Dr. Obiajunwa. "FUPRE possesses a wealth of brainpower, and now is the moment to utilize this resource efficiently via targeted alliances, patents, and business-focused cooperations.
He urged both faculty members and students to adopt an innovative mindset, emphasizing that research commercialization serves not only as a source of income but also as a strategy for establishing FUPRE as a world-class pioneer in technology.
Deputy Chancellor Emphasizes FUPRE’s Progress and SuccessesIn his speech, Deputy Chancellor Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim Rukeh highlighted the development trajectory of FUPRE since its foundation on March 14, 2007. He showcased the university’s evolution from an initial College of Science to its current status as a comprehensive entity comprising five distinct colleges.
"Reflecting on the period since FUPRE was founded until now—specifically during the 4th Convocation Ceremony and Founder’s Day Lecture—I can proudly affirm that we have overcome numerous obstacles and attained considerable achievements," Professor Rukeh declared.
He remembered that upon becoming the inaugural indigenous Vice Chancellor, he focused on rapid infrastructure expansion, boosting the number of structures on campus from 16 to 32. Furthermore, during his five-year term, he increased the number of colleges from two to five.
Professor Rukeh encouraged the new Vice Chancellor to uphold this tradition by broadening the institution’s course offerings to match the vision of FUPRE’s original founders. He highlighted that the university’s latest efforts, such as the Career Research Fair and the Founder’s Day Lecture, reflect its dedication to fostering research and creativity.
"We need to keep focusing on research and innovation. This is precisely why we arranged the Career Research Fair—to help direct our students towards success. We have invited an esteemed speaker today to tackle the crucial issue: Do universities genuinely serve as centers for innovation? The impact of innovation on national progress is immense, and FUPRE remains committed to achieving greatness in this area," he stated firmly.
commendation from the Governing Council: The Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council, Dr. Bello Gachi Issa, along with an external council member, Dr. Buba Fauziyya, praised Dr. Obiajunwa for delivering an enlightening lecture. They highlighted how his talk established a solid basis for Nigerian universities to reconsider their part in fostering economic and technological advancement.
They highlighted that Dr. Obiajunwa effectively underscores the crucial part played by universities in promoting innovation. They specifically pointed out his focus on converting Nigerian universities into genuine centers for innovation—through closing the gap between research and commercialization—as being highly pertinent.
They also emphasized his methodical strategy for accomplishing this change, which includes:
Setting up tech transfer officesEnhancing collaborations with industriesDeveloping specialized innovation hubsIntegrating entrepreneurial education into coursesDr. Obiajunwa’s suggestion of tying professorships to research commercialization instead of solely focusing on scholarly articles was recognized as an important transformational concept that could promote applied, problem-solving research within Nigerian higher educational institutions.
FUPRE’s Promising Path Ahead in Research and Innovation
The Founder’s Day Lecture drew a notable assembly comprising educators, professionals from various industries, governmental representatives, and learners who commended Dr. Obiajunwa for his stimulating perspectives. This discourse has paved the way for essential conversations about the direction of research, financial support, and inventive endeavors at FUPRE.
As the university maps out its journey to become an international hub for top-tier research, those involved stay hopeful. They believe that under inspiring guidance, through smart collaborations, and with a strong dedication to new ideas, FUPRE will rise as a major force in steering the direction of energy studies not just in Nigeria but across the globe.
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