05/09/2026
FUPRE ADVANCES FLEXIBLE LEARNING AS NUC VERIFIES PROPOSED INSTITUTE OF DISTANCE AND E-LEARNING
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), has taken another significant step towards expanding access to quality, flexible and technology-enabled higher education following a two-day resource verification exercise conducted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the proposed Institute of Distance and e-Learning.
The exercise, held on Wednesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 27, 2026, assessed the University's preparedness and resources for the proposed Institute and its planned flexible learning programmes.
Welcoming the NUC Assessment Team, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, described the exercise as a significant milestone in FUPRE's pursuit of a robust, flexible and industry-responsive learning platform.
He explained that the initiative forms part of the University's strategic effort to deepen engagement with the oil and gas industry while expanding access to flexible learning opportunities for professionals and other learners who may find conventional programmes difficult to accommodate. “A hybrid programme of this nature will enable professionals to pursue further education while remaining actively engaged in their careers,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Prof. Agbalagba noted that the proposed Institute represents more than the introduction of another academic programme. According to him, it presents an opportunity to expand access to quality education, respond to the evolving needs of industry and advance FUPRE's mandate of producing middle- and high-level manpower for the oil and gas sector.
He assured the NUC delegation that Management was prepared to address identified gaps and strengthen the proposed Institute.
“We welcome constructive observations because they will help us strengthen what we are building. Where there are gaps, Management is fully prepared to address them,” he stated.
In her remarks, the NUC Team Lead and Acting Director, Open, Distance and e-Learning, Dr. Funmilayo Moribise, commended FUPRE for its commitment to establishing the Institute, describing the initiative as a bold step towards joining the growing number of Nigerian universities embracing flexible and technology-enabled learning.
She explained that the assessment was designed not merely to determine readiness but also to identify gaps and provide practical guidance for strengthening the proposed Institute.
Presenting the NUC's observations and requirements, Prof. Oluwagbemiga Ojo commended the University for its preparations while highlighting areas requiring further attention, including appropriate staffing, adequate facilities, fire-safety provisions, a robust Learning Management System (LMS) and an expanded CBT Centre.
Dr. Moribise also emphasised the importance of adequate infrastructure, technology and human capacity to support the Institute's expanded mandate. She recommended the provision of a purpose-built facility, enhanced learner-support services and the integration of the LMS with the University Library.
Responding to the observations, Prof. Agbalagba disclosed that Management was already pursuing practical solutions to address the identified needs.
On the CBT facility, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) had pledged to support the University with a 1,000-capacity CBT Centre and a dedicated bus for the Institute.
He further disclosed that Management had identified space close to the existing facility for the development of a dedicated and expanded ODL complex, which would be integrated into the University's long-term infrastructure plans.
Prof. Agbalagba reaffirmed the commitment of Management and the Governing Council to providing the infrastructure, technology, human capacity and learner-support systems required to position the Institute for sustainable growth as demand for flexible learning continues to increase.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and Chairman of the Board of the Institute, Engr. Prof. Chiedu N. Owabor; the Acting Director of the Institute; the Director of Academic Planning; and the entire implementation team for their commitment and extensive preparatory work.
He also acknowledged the Lead Consultant of Skyeville Multisector Business Company, Prof. T. Ebijuwa, for his valuable guidance and experience in supporting the University's preparations.
Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Omosede Osafile; Registrar, Dr. Jane Omoyine; Bursar, Mr. Mark Titus Binwal; University Librarian, Prof. Mercy Anyaegbu; Director, Academic Planning, Engr. Prof. J. E. Okhaifoh; Acting Director of the Proposed Institute, Dr. Emeke Odumoso; Deputy Director, Dr. James Okpor; Dean, College of Computing, Prof. Arnold Ojugo; Dean, College of Maritime and Offshore Studies, Engr. Prof. Chidi Nwoha; Head, Directorate of Media and Public Relations, Mr. Victor Nwora, JP, alongside other staff members. While other
members of the NUC team included Dr. Irene Angela and Mrs. Yetunde Adekoya of NUC-CODEL, while other members of the consulting team comprised Prof. O. D. Ogunleye and Engr. J. S. Osonniyi of Skyeville Consultants.
The proposed Institute of Distance and e-Learning represents another important step in FUPRE's commitment to expanding access to higher education, embracing technology and responding to the evolving needs of professionals, industry and society.
FUPRE is building new pathways to quality education—flexible, technology-enabled and responsive to the needs of the future.
