Staff of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, have thrown their weight behind the University’s Governing Council, dismissing recent allegations aimed at discrediting the appointment of new Principal Officers.
In a joint statement released to the media and signed by Comrade Moses Oghenekome Ogege, Mr. Fine-Boy Doubra, Mrs. Sarah Kattey, Mr. Ossa, and Mr. Alen Igwe, the staff condemned what they described as “baseless falsehoods” circulated by unnamed individuals attempting to tarnish the image of the institution’s leadership.
They affirmed that the selection process for the appointments was transparent, rigorous, and guided strictly by due process and merit.
“The process began with the Governing Council’s approval of the advertisement for the vacant positions,” the statement noted. “These were subsequently published in two national newspapers and circulated on the university’s official staff platform.”
The Council went further by constituting a Selection Committee and engaging three independent consultants, each responsible for overseeing the recruitment of the Registrar, Bursar, and University Librarian, respectively.
“These consultants collaborated closely with the committee. Following a comprehensive and transparent interview process, the top candidates emerged based on merit and were accordingly recommended to the Council,” the statement added.
Describing the process as a model of fairness, the staff emphasized that the appointments reflect the Council’s commitment to institutional integrity and progress.
They also announced a unanimous vote of confidence in the Governing Council, praising the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Bardi, for his visionary leadership which they say has been pivotal to the university’s ongoing development.
“The NMU community is united in support of the Council’s efforts to reposition the university. A visit to the campus clearly shows the positive reception of these appointments,” the staff stated.
They cautioned against attempts to mislead the public or disrupt the university’s academic environment through anonymous propaganda.
“NMU is an institution grounded in excellence. The progress being recorded is not speculative—it is visible, measurable, and verifiable,” the statement concluded.
The staff urged the media, stakeholders, and the public to disregard the unfounded claims and continue to support the university’s strides under its current leadership.
