The Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun was founded in March 2007. It was established under the Federal Government of Nigeria initiative to develop a university specialising in the oil and gas sector.
The university is located in Effurun, a town in Delta State. Delta State is known for its oil and agricultural production.
Academically, the university is divided into two colleges: the college of science and the college of engineering and technology.
The college of science has been operating since 2007 when it had just 52 students and a handful of staff. Today it offers courses to over 1,100 students and is home to more than 100 academic staff and other administrative and technical staff. There are five departments within the college of science: chemistry, earth sciences, environmental management and toxicology, mathematics and physics.
The college of engineering and technology has nine departments: chemical engineeing, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, marine engineering, mechanical engineering, natural gas engineering, petrochemical engineering, and petroleum engineering.
The Integrated Institute of Environment and Development was established in 2017 in collaboration with the Foundation for the Conservation of Nigerian Rivers.