…..Honoring His Leadership with Who’s Who Africa Award

 Professor Akpofure Rim Rukeh, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, has been named Nigeria’s Best Vice Chancellor of the Year by Time Africa, a prestigious Pan-African publication.

In addition to this honor, Prof. Rim Rukeh has also received the highly esteemed Who’s Who Africa Award, which recognizes his exceptional leadership in transforming higher education and his unwavering commitment to advancing the university’s mission.

This recognition comes after a thorough and comprehensive evaluation by Time Africa’s editorial board and selection committee, which included renowned African editors and thought leaders.

The award process took into account a wide range of factors, from academic leadership and institutional growth to research impact and community engagement.

 The committee focused on identifying individuals who have demonstrated excellence in both academic and administrative domains, creating institutions that not only excel locally but are also recognized internationally.

In announcing the award, Dr. Chidi-Peters Okorie, Managing Director of Time Africa, praised Prof. Rim Rukeh for his outstanding leadership in elevating FUPRE to new heights.

 Dr. Okorie stated that the Vice Chancellor’s nomination was based on a public voting process as well as an in-depth assessment of several critical areas, including innovation, institutional development, research initiatives, and student welfare.

The Vice Chancellor of the Year award considers a variety of criteria that reflect the breadth of leadership required to lead a modern academic institution effectively.

 These include:

1.           Academic Leadership and Vision: Prof. Rim Rukeh’s leadership is characterized by a clear academic vision and innovative strategies that have significantly impacted FUPRE’s academic programs. He has ensured that the university maintains high standards of academic excellence, with a focus on developing curriculums that meet the evolving needs of students and industries alike.

2.           Institutional Growth and Transformation: Under Prof. Rim Rukeh’s stewardship, FUPRE has seen remarkable growth. He has overseen the development of world-class infrastructure, including state-of-the-art research laboratories, modern campus facilities, and a greater emphasis on the integration of technology in learning. These improvements have created an environment conducive to both academic and personal growth for students and staff.

3.           Research and Innovation: Prof. Rim Rukeh has been a staunch advocate for research, and under his leadership, FUPRE has become a leader in research excellence. The university has attracted significant funding for groundbreaking research, particularly in energy and petroleum studies, areas that are crucial to Nigeria’s development.

This research has not only contributed to academic knowledge but has also had tangible societal benefits.

4.           Student Welfare and Success: Prof. Rim Rukeh has prioritized student welfare, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education, career mentorship, and a supportive learning environment.

The university’s graduation rates, employability outcomes, and overall student success have significantly improved, making FUPRE one of the top choices for students in Nigeria.

5.           Social Responsibility and Community Engagement: In addition to his academic and administrative roles, Prof. Rim Rukeh has emphasized the importance of the university’s role in the wider community. His leadership has seen FUPRE actively engage in various community development projects that address critical issues such as poverty, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

The university has fostered partnerships with local organizations and global institutions, aiming to create solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria and the broader African continent.

6.           Leadership and Governance: Prof. Rim Rukeh has built a reputation for ethical leadership, characterized by transparency, integrity, and a commitment to governance excellence. His ability to navigate the complexities of running a large academic institution has been fundamental to FUPRE’s success. He has fostered a culture of teamwork and collaboration, ensuring that the university’s faculty, staff, and students all work together toward common goals.

7.           External Relations and Partnerships: One of the hallmarks of Prof. Rim Rukeh’s tenure has been his ability to build strategic partnerships. He has played a critical role in expanding FUPRE’s relationships with key industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international academic institutions. These partnerships have not only increased the university’s resource base but have also enhanced its global standing.

8.           Crisis Management and Resilience: Prof. Rim Rukeh has also demonstrated exceptional crisis management skills, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership in adapting the university’s operations to online learning while maintaining academic standards was a testament to his adaptability and resilience.

9.           Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Prof. Rim Rukeh has been a champion for inclusivity at FUPRE, ensuring that the university provides equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. His initiatives have made FUPRE a welcoming environment for students from diverse walks of life, including efforts to empower female students and faculty.

During the award ceremony, Prof. Rim Rukeh, represented by his Prof Doris Ogeleka.  Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, shared his deep appreciation for the recognition.

He stressed that the award was not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the collective efforts of the entire FUPRE community.

He expressed immense pride in the university’s progress, acknowledging the contributions of students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have worked tirelessly to make FUPRE a leading institution of higher learning.

Prof. Rim Rukeh also took the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable support of Nigeria’s President, His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu, whose commitment to the advancement of education has been transformative.

He credited President Tinubu’s leadership with creating a policy environment that has allowed universities like FUPRE to flourish.

“This award is not just mine but belongs to every student, every faculty member, and every staff member who has contributed to the advancement of this institution,” Prof. Rim Rukeh stated.

“I dedicate this honor to President Tinubu, whose leadership has been a guiding light for all of us in the educational sector. His unwavering focus on expanding access to quality education, improving infrastructure, and fostering collaborations with the private sector is helping to create a more skilled and empowered workforce for Nigeria.”

Prof. Rim Rukeh emphasized that while this recognition was a significant milestone, it was also a call to continue striving for greater excellence in education. Looking ahead, he expressed a strong commitment to furthering the university’s goals, expanding research opportunities, and continuing to foster an inclusive, supportive environment for all students.

As FUPRE looks to the future, Prof. Rim Rukeh’s leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Nigerian leaders, scholars, and professionals. His unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community service continues to set the standard for higher education in Nigeria and across Africa.