Minister Makes U-Turn On Admiralty Varsity’s VC Appointment

The Federal Ministry of Education has reversed itself on the recent appointment of the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Ibuzor, Delta State.

Recall that the ministry, five days ago, disclosed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, approved the appointment of Prof. Lucian O. Chukwu as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.

A statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, stated that the decision was made after a rigorous selection exercise conducted by the Governing Council of Admiralty University on February 26-27, 2025.

The statement said that Chukwu emerged as the top candidate, scoring an impressive 83.41 percent among the five interviewed candidates.

It stated that his appointment is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to upholding merit-based principles.

The development came after an earlier announcement by the university’s Registrar, Isaac Mankilik, declaring Ogbogbo as the new Vice-Chancellor.

Mankilik, in a statement, claimed that Ogbogbo, a Professor of African History at the University of Ibadan, emerged as the successful candidate after receiving nine out of 15 votes from the members of the university’s Governing Council at an extraordinary meeting.

However, the Chairman of the Council, Dele Ezeoba, dismissed Ogbogbo’s appointment, describing it as “illegal”.

In a surprising turn of events, the ministry has confirmed Ogbodo as the new Vice Chancellor of the institution, just days after announcing Chukwu for the same position.

The ministry said that contrary to recent ‘misleading reports’, it later discovered as a fact that due process was followed in the selection process culminating in the appointment of Ogbogbo as the substantive Vice-Chancellor.

It stated that the affirmation came after a thorough review of the selection process and ministerial intervention, aligning with the Federal Government’s commitment to merit and fairness.

The Ministry also noted the declassification of the Council’s 21st Extraordinary Meeting Report, promoting transparency in the appointment process.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to upholding due process, fairness, and merit in its supervisory role.

The statement by the ministry director of press said, “This rejoinder has become necessary in the wake of further investigation and discovery by the Ministry on the issue of initial vexed appointment of substantive Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Ibuzor, Delta State

“The Federal Ministry of Education seeks to set the record straight regarding the recent appointment of the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University of Nigeria Ibuzor Delta State.

“Contrary to recent misleading reports, the Ministry later discovered as a fact that due process was meticulously followed in the selection process culminating in the appointment of Professor Christopher B.N. Ogbogbo as the substantive Vice-Chancellor.

“Following a thorough review of the selection process , subsequent ministerial intervention and in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to merit and fairness, the Ministry confirms that Prof. Christopher B.N. Ogbogbo is the most eligible candidate for the position of substantive Vice Chancellor of ADUN.

“Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Education has equally noted the declassification of the Council’s 21st Extraordinary Meeting Report of 26th and 27th February, 2025 which is designed to promote full transparency.

“The Federal Ministry of Education wishes to reiterate that it remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding due process, fairness, and merit in its supervisory responsibility. The Ministry affirms that this appointment by the Governing Council of ADUN aligns with the provisions of the Admiralty University of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2022 and other extant provisions regulating the affairs of the University.”

Minister Makes U-Turn On Admiralty Varsity’s VC Appointment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper