By THE Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, says all pending allowances of affected staff will be “fully settled within the next one week.”
He made the declaration while addressing journalists from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Warri Correspondents Chapel, on Saturday in Warri, Delta State.
VC Agbalagba
Agbalagba, however, strongly condemned the actions of PENGASSAN and NUPENG following recent protests at the university, asserting that their continued attempts to unionise staff are unlawful and in direct violation of a binding court ruling.
Professor Agbalagba said that despite a 2022 judgment from the National Industrial Court clearly denying PENGASSAN the right to represent senior staff in tertiary institutions, the union has resumed agitation, including a blockade of university entrances—actions he described as “unlawful and contemptuous.”
“We must be guided by the rule of law. The National Industrial Court ruled in 2022 that PENGASSAN has no jurisdiction to unionise university staff. That ruling has not been overturned,” he said.
Background To The Dispute
In 2021, PENGASSAN filed a lawsuit (NICN/AB/319/2021) against FUPRE and other education unions, arguing—based on Section 11 of the FUPRE Establishment Act 2017—that senior university staff should fall under its representation due to alignment with oil and gas sector standards.
However, Justice B.B. Kanyip dismissed this claim in March 2022, ruling that union recognition is strictly governed by the Trade Unions Act, not by employment conditions or perceived industry similarities.
Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba
The court also clarified that the Minister of Education, not the Minister of Petroleum, oversees FUPRE’s affairs, and that the National Universities Commission (NUC) sets the standards for staff conditions of service.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment later confirmed that PENGASSAN and NUPENG have no legal standing within university settings.
University’s Position Reaffirmed
Professor Agbalagba revealed that the university’s Governing Council, at its 56th and 59th meetings in 2023 and 2024 respectively, reaffirmed its decision not to recognise PENGASSAN and NUPENG as legitimate staff unions. Consequently, all check-off dues were discontinued, and formal notices were issued to the unions.
Despite this, PENGASSAN filed a fresh case in 2024 (NICN/ASB/38/2024), now before Justice O.A. Ogunbowale in the Asaba Division. A hearing is scheduled for 20th November 2025.
“While the matter is sub judice, it is deeply concerning that PENGASSAN has resorted to protests and obstruction. We urge all parties to wait for judicial resolution,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Earned Allowances And Staff Welfare
Professor Agbalagba also used the briefing to address widespread rumours surrounding the alleged non-payment of Earned Allowances to staff.
He clarified that payments were made through recognised unions following government approval and that any outstanding amounts are due to administrative and technical verifications currently underway.
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“We have communicated directly with the affected individuals, and I can confirm that all pending allowances will be fully settled within the next one week,” he assured.
Rejecting Intimidation Claims
The Vice-Chancellor firmly rejected allegations of staff intimidation and victimisation under his leadership, reiterating his commitment to transparency and inclusion.
“My administration is rooted in fairness. From the outset, I said: I am one of you. We will not lead by fear but by dialogue and standards,” he said.
He called on members of the press to support “development journalism” by reporting not only crises but also the university’s innovations, research breakthroughs, and national contributions.
“FUPRE is not just about petroleum studies—it is a driver of Nigeria’s industrial future. Help us tell that story. Together, we can shape a better, more informed nation,” he added.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues its journey toward industrial diversification and technological innovation, FUPRE’s leadership reiterated the university’s strategic role in preparing the next generation of energy professionals.
The institution remains committed to upholding institutional integrity, legal compliance, and staff welfare, even in the face of ongoing disputes.
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