NMU Staff Back Governing Council’s Appointments, Dismiss Allegations as Baseless Blackmail
OKERENKOKO/Nigeria: Staff of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, have firmly backed the recent appointments of principal officers by the university’s Governing Council, dismissing reports of irregularities as baseless and mischievous.
In a statement jointly 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 “falsehoods peddled by faceless individuals” seeking to discredit a process that was both merit-based and transparent.
“Their allegations are not only baseless but also a disservice to the truth and to the progress NMU has recorded under the current leadership,” the statement read.
Providing details of the procedure, the staff explained that the recruitment process was initiated by the University Council following the approval of a public advertisement for the positions of Registrar, Bursar, and University Librarian. The vacancies were advertised in two national newspapers and posted on the university’s internal communication platforms.
Subsequently, a Selection Committee was constituted and three independent consultants—each assigned to one of the positions—were engaged to ensure objectivity. The consultants collaborated with the committee through a thorough and transparent interview process, culminating in the recommendation of the highest-scoring candidates to the Council for final appointment.
“This process was a model of fairness and due process. It adhered strictly to principles of merit and integrity. One, therefore, wonders what the anonymous authors of these claims consider lacking in transparency,” the statement noted.
The staff reaffirmed the NMU community’s satisfaction with the Council’s appointments, describing them as steps toward institutional reform and sustainable leadership.
“We stand in firm support of the Council’s direction, particularly its efforts to strengthen the university through competent leadership. A visit to the university will show how widely these appointments are being celebrated,” the statement added.
In a show of solidarity, the university staff passed a vote of confidence on all members of the Governing Council, especially commending the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Bardi, for his visionary leadership which they say has placed NMU on a progressive trajectory.
Condemning attempts to mislead the public and stir internal conflict, the staff said, “NMU is a place of excellence, not a space for baseless propaganda or anonymous blackmail. The progress recorded here is not speculative, it is visible, measurable, and verifiable.”
They urged stakeholders, the media, and the general public to disregard the misleading publication and continue supporting the university’s advancement under the current Council.
