EFFURUN/Nigeria: The Delta State Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) have commenced fresh efforts to strengthen collaboration aimed at equipping students with practical industry skills and improving their employability after graduation.
The renewed push followed a meeting between the leadership of APBN and the university’s management during a courtesy visit to FUPRE Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, where both sides agreed to reactivate an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that had remained largely inactive.
The proposed partnership is expected to focus on internship placements, professional mentoring, specialised skills development and closer interaction between students and practising professionals to bridge the gap between academic training and workplace expectations.
Speaking during the visit, APBN Delta State Chairman, ESV (Rev.) Lewis Afolabi, said the association believes stronger engagement between professional bodies and tertiary institutions is essential to producing graduates who are equipped with both academic knowledge and practical competence.
He explained that APBN, an umbrella body of recognised professional associations in the state, is prepared to mobilise its member organisations to support students through mentorship, industrial exposure and professional guidance across different disciplines.
Afolabi also recalled that APBN and FUPRE entered into a collaboration several years ago through the university’s Centre for Professional Skills but noted that the arrangement did not fully achieve its objectives. He expressed confidence that reviewing the agreement would provide a fresh framework better suited to current educational and industry realities.
Responding, Prof. Agbalagba welcomed the renewed initiative, describing collaboration with professional bodies as critical to the university’s vision of producing graduates capable of meeting the demands of Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.
He said FUPRE has continued to expand its academic focus beyond petroleum studies to embrace the wider energy industry and aspects of the maritime economy, making stronger partnerships with industry stakeholders increasingly important.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university is deepening practical learning by integrating professional certifications, safety education and industry-based competencies into its academic programmes, while also engaging experienced practitioners from the oil and gas sector to complement classroom teaching.
He assured the APBN delegation that the existing Memorandum of Understanding would be reviewed with a view to identifying areas requiring renewal, expressing optimism that a stronger partnership would create greater opportunities for students and contribute to national manpower development.
The visit formed part of APBN Delta State’s ongoing engagement with strategic institutions to promote professional excellence, knowledge exchange and stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
