From Village Boy to Academic Trailblazer: Prof. Agbalagba’s rise to Vice Chancellor

In the heart of Omavovwe, a small village in Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, a young boy once roamed the dusty roads with a mind full of dreams. Today, that boy, Professor Agbalagba Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo, stands as the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), a prestigious institution at the forefront of energy education in Nigeria.

Engr. Bello Gachi Issa, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, announced the appointment during a press briefing at the university’s Conference Hall. He revealed that 39 candidates applied for the position, but Prof. Agbalagba emerged as the most outstanding candidate after a rigorous selection process.

The Governing Council Chair emphasized that Prof. Agbalagba’s appointment followed due diligence and adherence to due process. He commended the professor’s academic experience, leadership qualities, and dedication to excellence, which made him the preferred choice for the role.

Outgoing Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim Rukeh, expressed confidence in the selection process, stating that the transition was smooth and transparent. He noted that Prof. Agbalagba has the expertise and vision to elevate FUPRE to greater academic heights. The new Vice Chancellor is expected to serve a single term of five years.

Born about 46years ago, Prof. Agbalagba’s early years were shaped by the strong values of diligence and resilience instilled in him by his community. He began his educational journey at Okpaode Primary School, Omavovwe, before advancing to Ibru College, Agbarha-Otor, where his academic brilliance began to shine. Determined to make a mark in the world of science, he proceeded to Delta State University, Abraka, graduating with a B.Sc. in Physics (Second Class Upper Division) in 2001.

His insatiable quest for knowledge led him to the University of Port Harcourt, where he earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Environmental Radiation Physics in 2007 and 2012, respectively. His academic pursuits were complemented by professional qualifications from the World Institute of Nuclear Security Academy, Australia, and the National Registry of Environmental Professionals, USA, establishing him as a leading expert in Environmental Radiation, Health, and Nuclear Physics.

His academic journey began at the Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science, Yenagoa, where he lectured from 2003 to 2010. During this period, he also served as a Research Assistant at the University of Port Harcourt. Before this appointment he was, he was the Dean of the Dean of the College of Science FUPRE. He is also one time Chairman of Academic Staff Union ASUFUPRE Chapter.

Prof. Agbalagba’s teaching career began at Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science, Yenagoa, where he nurtured young minds before joining the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun. Over the years, he ascended through the ranks, from Lecturer to Professor, earning multiple accolades along the way. His contributions to academia are profound—he has authored numerous scholarly publications, supervised countless students, and spearheaded groundbreaking research in environmental remediation and nuclear security.

As the Dean of the College of Science at FUPRE, he played a pivotal role in securing full accreditation for science courses, establishing the FUPRE Journal of PetroScience, and organizing international conferences that placed the university on the global academic map. His leadership within the institution also extended to student affairs, where he was a mentor and advocate for academic excellence.

Beyond academia, Prof. Agbalagba has served on several national and international committees, including the governing councils of Dennis Osadebey University, JAMB, and Delta State’s newly established universities. His impact stretches into consultancy, where he has provided expertise on nuclear power development and crude oil spill management.

His appointment as Vice Chancellor marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. He steps into this role with a vision to elevate FUPRE to international standards, enhance research output, and foster innovation in petroleum resources and environmental management.

Reflecting on his journey, Prof. Agbalagba remains deeply connected to his roots. “I owe my success to God, my family, and the foundational values from my humble beginnings in Omavovwe. My goal is to give back by inspiring the next generation to dream beyond limitations, I come from a community with several mentors and mentee inspiring us to push boundaries” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, Prof. Agbalagba remains deeply connected to his roots. “I am a firm believer in God. I am immensely grateful to the many people who have inspired and supported me on this journey.
I owe a debt of gratitude to my late parents, who instilled in me the values of hard work, discipline, and passion. I also appreciate the unwavering encouragement from community elders, especially the late Mr. Vinimor Ukoba, former President General of the Omavovwe Development Union, who championed the importance of education. My supervisors, spiritual mentors, and career guides have all played invaluable roles in shaping my path,” he said.

From the dusty streets of Omavovwe to the corridors of leadership in one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities, Prof. Agbalagba’s story is one of resilience, vision, and excellence—a testament to the power of education and the promise of hard work.