••Called on FG to implement the FUPRE Act and provide the funds and structural support required to fulfill the national mandate

•••Describes PENGASSAN, NUPENG reports as misleading and unfounded

By Matthias Ogbagah

WARRI – The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, has berated the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and NUPENG, saying FUPRE did not recognize PENGASSAN and NUPENG described their reports as misleading and unfounded.

Professor Agbalagba, last weekend, while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Corespondents chapel, during a press briefing, noted that the matter between the Union and FUPRE has been dealt with in the court of law.

According to him, “In 2021, PENGASSAN instituted Suit No. NICN/ABJ/319/2021 at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, against ASUU, SSANU, NAAT, FUPRE, and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. By their Originating Summons dated 21st November 2021, PENGASSAN claimed, based on Section 11 of the FUPRE Establishment Act, 2017, that it was the rightful union to represent senior staff members of the University.

“Section 11 states that the Conditions of Service of university employees should align with those in the Oil and Gas industry to attract top talent.

“However, despite the defendants not filing any defense, the Court, in a landmark judgment delivered by Hon. Justice B.B. Kanyip on 30th March 2022, ruled decisively that PENGASSAN is not entitled to unionize senior staff at FUPRE. The Court emphasized that the Trade Unions Act governs union recognition in tertiary institutions, not the Conditions of Service. It further clarified that the supervisory responsibility for the University lies with the Minister of Education, not the Minister of Petroleum, and that the National Universities Commission (NUC) should provide for the Conditions of Service.

“Following this judgment, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment formally confirmed that PENGASSAN cannot legally unionize senior staff in a university setting, under the Trade Unions Act Cap T14, LFN 2004.

“In furtherance of this position, the FUPRE Governing Council at its 56th Regular Meeting on 16th June 2023, and again at its 59th Meeting on 25th October 2024, unanimously reaffirmed the non-recognition of PENGASSAN and NUPENG as staff unions. The Council directed Management to immediately cease all check-off dues deductions for purported union members.

“In line with these decisions, the University Management issued official notifications to the concerned unions and engaged their representatives to explain the legal and institutional implications of the Council’s resolutions.

“Despite the clear and binding 2022 court judgment, which has not been appealed or overturned, PENGASSAN filed a fresh suit (NICN/ASB/38/2024) at the National Industrial Court, Asaba Division. The matter is pending before Hon. Justice Opeloye A. Ogunbowale, with a hearing scheduled for 20th November 2025”.

While reaffirming his Commitment to position FUPRE as a leading national and global hub for petroleum-focused education, cutting-edge research, and innovation, he called on the government to fully implement the FUPRE Act and provide the funding and structural support required to fulfill our national mandate.

While noting that with modern facilities, better funding, and industry partnerships, FUPRE can unlock its full potential, he expressed satisfaction, saying, “Despite our limited resources, we have made significant strides in renewable energy research, local content innovation, digital technologies, and water purification. These achievements underscore our commitment to practical, home-grown solutions.

“Greater investment will allow us to scale these innovations, commercialize research outputs, and become a leading petroleum innovation hub in West Africa”, he noted.

I reaffirm this commitment as we continue to enhance our academic programs, promote impactful research, modernize infrastructure, and deepen stakeholder engagement.

While criticising the action of PENGASSAN and NUPENG, he said, “It is improper and potentially contemptuous for PENGASSAN to resort to self-help actions such as blocking the University entrances while the matter is before the court. We urge all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and wait for the final judicial determination.”

We urge all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and await the final judicial determination.

He noted that FUPRE remains Africa’s first petroleum-focused university and the sixth globally, saying the unique status places a weighty responsibility on his shoulders to lead the way in delivering industry-relevant education, innovation, research, and sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s energy sector.

“Our mission remains to produce highly skilled engineers, scientists, and leaders who are technically proficient and visionary in addressing the dynamic challenges of the oil and gas industry.”

He disclosed that FUPRE is introducing seven new degree programmes in the 2025/2026 academic session, adding that four are in business management; BSc Entrepreneurship, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Petroleum Information Management, all tailored to strategic and operational roles in energy-related industries.

Professor Agbalagba reaffirms the commitment to continue to enhance academic programmes, promote impactful research, modernize infrastructure, and deepen stakeholder engagement.

“To actualize these goals, I inaugurated a Strategic Planning Committee charged with developing a comprehensive five-year roadmap for the university.

This committee includes diverse representatives across academic, administrative, and key stakeholder groups. I am confident that this roadmap, once completed, will provide a solid foundation upon which we will build transformative progress” he added.

While commenting on the allegation about payment of Earned Allowances, he said, “Let me state clearly that the University has no intention whatsoever to withhold any allowances due to eligible staff.

According to him, upon receipt of the approved allowances, the Bursary Department, on 5th June 2025, issued an official memo informing all staff. Before disbursement, my administration engaged with union heads to ensure full alignment with the stipulated requirements from the supervising ministry. Based on these engagements, the allowances were disbursed through the recognized unions, with government approval and established due process.

“About staff members whose payments remain pending, I wish to provide further clarification: these outstanding cases are due to specific administrative and technical issues that have been identified and communicated to the individuals involved. The affected staff are fully aware of the nature of these issues and verification processes currently being addressed.

“Nonetheless, following mutual understanding and agreement reached yesterday, the Management of the University has given its assurance that all outstanding Earned Allowances will be fully settled within the next week.

“I must firmly address claims of intimidation, victimization, or rights violations under my leadership. I reject these narratives completely. From the start, I declared, “I am part of you, I am for you, I am with you.” My administration is built on fairness, inclusion, and accountability—not fear or exclusion.