CSO hails VC’s appointment at maritime varsity

The Civil Society Alliance for Transparency and Development (CSATD) has praised the Governing Council of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, for what it described as “a credible and transparent” process in the recent appointment of Professor Flora Tobolayefa Oluwafemi as the institution’s new Vice-Chancellor. The civil society group, in a statement signed by its […]

The Civil Society Alliance for Transparency and Development (CSATD) has praised the Governing Council of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, for what it described as “a credible and transparent” process in the recent appointment of Professor Flora Tobolayefa Oluwafemi as the institution’s new Vice-Chancellor.

The civil society group, in a statement signed by its Convener and National Coordinator, Comrade Basah Mohammed, said the outcome of the process is a model for other universities across the country to emulate.

It commended the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Abdullahi Bardi, for providing the leadership that ensured a fair, merit-driven and crisis-free appointment.

“This transparent process sets a gold standard for public universities in Nigeria,” the statement read.

“The leadership of Mr. Abdullahi Bardi and the entire Governing Council must be applauded for their commitment to due process, merit, and institutional stability. The NMU exercise shows that when appointments are free from vested interests, the result is leadership that enjoys legitimacy and public confidence.”

Professor Oluwafemi, a professor of microbiology and experienced administrator, scored the highest during the interviews conducted on June 17, following a rigorous three-month process that included national advertisement and a thorough screening phase.

According to CSATD, her emergence reflects the integrity of the process and the university’s commitment to academic and developmental excellence.

CSATD noted that similar appointment processes in federal universities have in the past been mired in crisis due to lack of transparency and interference. “It is our observation that crisis in many institutions often stems from manipulations and hidden interests. NMU has broken that trend and should be commended,” the group stated.

While congratulating the new Vice-Chancellor, CSATD urged Professor Oluwafemi to focus on institutional growth and to embrace the “town and gown” philosophy by deepening engagement with the university’s host community, Okerenkoko.

“She must work to position NMU as not only a center for maritime education, but also a hub for research, innovation, and local community development,” the group said.

The alliance also used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to increase funding to the Nigeria Maritime University, noting its strategic importance in developing the nation’s maritime capacity.

It urged agencies like the Federal Ministry of Education, NIMASA, and the National Assembly to continue supporting the institution’s growth while also investing in the development of the host community.

“Strengthening the university without supporting the host environment creates tension. The town and gown relationship must be nurtured as part of national development,” CSATD emphasized.

CSATD reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments in the education sector and advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth.