Honouring a Legacy: Prof. Akpofure bows out gracefully, launches memoir to mark departure

Effurun, Delta State — It was a memorable and heartfelt occasion on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), celebrated the remarkable leadership and exit of its outgoing Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh. 

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of his memoir titled Transforming Vision to Reality: The Memoirs of a Vice Chancellor.

The event, which formed part of a series of activities marking the conclusion of his tenure, took place at the Jubilee Retreat and Conference Centre, near Okorodudu Motors. 

It drew a distinguished crowd, including academics, public servants, traditional rulers, students, and admirers.

Prof. Rim-Rukeh, who served as FUPRE’s 4th substantive Vice Chancellor from 2020 to 2025, is widely celebrated for steering the university through significant development.

His administration is remembered for overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, initiating substantial infrastructural projects, and fostering academic excellence.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Brodricks Arigbodi—represented by Hon. Onoriode Arigbodi—commended Prof. Rim-Rukeh’s exceptional leadership. 

He noted that leading a university through a global crisis while achieving impressive results is a testament to divine grace, strength, and dedication.

The event featured a review of the memoir by Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Delta State University, Abraka. He praised the book as a powerful narrative of Prof. Rim-Rukeh’s journey from being a founding staff member to leading the institution. 

Describing the 16-chapter memoir as a rich mix of history, leadership insights, and personal reflections, Prof. Awhefeada said the work stands as a model for transformational leadership.

The book, dedicated to Prof. Rim-Rukeh’s wife, children, and extended family, is regarded as an essential resource for current and future academic leaders seeking to make meaningful impact.

In her welcome remarks, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Doris Ogeleka, extolled Prof. Rim-Rukeh’s tireless efforts, calling him a “workaholic” whose administration left no part of the university untouched. 

She lauded his open-door policy and results-driven approach, which elevated FUPRE in research, student services, and infrastructure. She also highlighted his scholarly achievements, including the publication of twelve books—three of which were written during his tenure as VC.

“We thank God that he began his journey in good health and is ending in the same condition. That alone is a blessing,” she added, while expressing hope for greater responsibilities for him at the national level.

Prof. Rim-Rukeh’s administration is widely credited with elevating FUPRE’s national and international profile. His tenure ushered in new academic programs, staff-friendly policies, modern infrastructure, and productive collaborations with global institutions.

In a brief address alongside his wife, Mrs. Mercy Akpofure, the outgoing Vice Chancellor thanked God, the University’s Governing Council, staff, students, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support. He attributed the administration’s accomplishments to the shared commitment of the entire FUPRE community.