Postgraduate Students Association Of Nigeria: DELSU, FUPRE Executive Members Meet

In a remarkable move towards fostering academic synergy and institutional collaboration, executives of the Postgraduate Students Association of Nigeria (PGSAN), DELSU Chapter, hosted their counterparts from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) for a strategic meeting aimed at fostering partnership and sharing ideas for effective student representation.

The meeting commenced with a formal introduction anchored by the PGSAN DELSU President, Comr. Oviebemre Ohwovoriole, who introduced his executive members: Comr. Bigila Abednego (Secretary), Faith Bariagarakara Friday (Public Relations Officer), Comr. Egheneji Oghenetejiri (Treasurer), and Comr. Umeh E. Chinonye (Welfare Director).

On the FUPRE delegation were Comr. Henry Onoseraye Akpovona (President), Comr. Ewagba Stephen Ovie (Treasurer), Comr. Omesiete Nkechi Franca, and Comr. Raji I. Isaac, who joined as executive members.

Delivering the opening remarks, Comr. Bigila, Secretary of PGSAN DELSU, emphasized the value of inter-institutional dialogue.

“Your presence here today underscores the importance of collaboration and unity among postgraduate students across institutions. This meeting provides an opportunity to share experiences, explore common interests, and strengthen our partnerships. We remain committed to fostering a productive and enduring relationship with your association,” he stated.

In response, Comr. Henry, FUPRE PGSAN President, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and highlighted the potential benefits of joint efforts.

“By pulling our strengths together, both associations can achieve greater success and make a meaningful impact within the academic community,” he said, acknowledging the leadership of the FUPRE Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh.

Discussions
During the core discussions, Comr. Oviebemre stressed the need for postgraduate associations to build, support, and nurture their members.

He highlighted the financial challenges students face, including multiple dues and unpredictable payments beyond tuition, sometimes totaling over ₦100,000.

He cited how DELSU’s PGSAN has addressed these issues through proactive engagement with management, especially through SERVICOM – an initiative championed by the Dean of Postgraduate School, DELSU, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada – that enables students to report concerns and irregularities for immediate attention.

According to him, to reduce academic-related costs, the DELSU chapter runs free plagiarism checks, a welcome relief compared to the exorbitant fees charged externally (up to ₦120,000 in some cases), adding that they also organized research assistance programs involving faculty representatives and knowledgeable students who guide others through proposal writing and thesis structuring,an effort aimed at curbing exploitation and ensuring academic self-sufficiency.

On the financial front, Comr. Oviebemre noted ongoing advocacy for DESOPADEC to provide study grants to postgraduates who currently receive no state-sponsored bursaries.

A congress is scheduled for the 9th to interact directly with students, listen to their concerns, and chart a way forward, he said.

Meanwhile, he appreciated Governor Oborevwori for his developmental strides and thanked him on behalf of the FUPRE Executive and the community for the construction of the access road to the university.

The FUPRE Treasurer raised a vital question on how the DELSU executive successfully maintains rapport with students, unlike in their case, where there is low participation.

Comr. Oviebemre advised that postgraduate bodies should be seen as associations, not unions, and suggested a possible rebranding to a nationalized title like Postgraduate Students Association of Nigeria (FUPRE Chapter)—to promote uniformity.

He further recommended better student engagement, establishment of feedback platforms for complaints, and suggested that a percentage of internally generated revenue be allocated to postgraduate schools for sustainability.

He praised the DELSU Dean of Postgraduate Studies, referring to him as “Dean of Deans” due to his oversight of critical administrative units like Admissions, Exams & Records.

FUPRE’s Update and Reflections

In his closing remarks, Comr. Henry gave an update on the status of the FUPRE postgraduate association, disclosing they had been in office for just under 100 days since their inauguration on the 29th of February.

He mentioned that until recently, the association had not received any financial support, but they have now initiated ₦5,000 dues collection and secured office space for their secretariat.

On dues collection, it was suggested that they engage university management to integrate it into the school fees portal to ensure seamless payment.

Comr. Henry concluded that their visit to DELSU was not a waste but a truly worthwhile and enriching experience.

The meeting featured a tea break and a meal, showing true hospitality.

The event ended with a group photograph, capturing the spirit of unity and collaboration between the two institutions.