VC: How Nigeria Can Benefit from Petroleum Varsity

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), in Delta State, Professor Akaehomen Akii Ibhadode, has stated that the institution is at a vantage position as a specialised university to transform Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Ibhadode made this known yesterday when he led some principal officers of the institution on a courtesy visit to THISDAY Corporate Office in Lagos.

According to him, with a mission to create quality human resource to enhance the local content in the oil and gas and energy industry of the country, the university is capable of creating new technologies like modular refineries to make a difference in the sector.

He, however, said the institution was not being challenged or propelled by the government and oil companies in the country.

While highlighting some of the innovations of the 11-year-old institution, which he said was the first petroleum university in Africa and the sixth in the world, the vice- chancellor said with the support of Shell, the students were challenged to design fuel- efficient racer vehicles for the Shell Eco-marathon, which won an award in South Africa.

Ibhadode, a Shell Professor of Lightweight Automobile Engine Development, is currently leading a research team working on the development of lightweight prime movers of internal combustion engines and electric motors for vehicle drives for green transport technology compliance.

He is also leading the design and fabrication of a lightweight utility vehicle for transportation of farm produce by rural farmers.

The university is also developing an industrial games application; design and fabrication of a mini crude oil refinery; design and fabrication of an air-powered generator for domestic use; recycling of waste motor oil to diesel-like fuel, among others.

He stressed the need for the students to ensure that their products are patented so as to make the desired impact in the society.