DELTA: 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 institution’s Governing Council over the recent appointment of principal officers, dismissing attempts to discredit the process as “baseless and mischievous.”
In a statement signed by Comrade Moses Oghenekome Ogege, Mr. Fine-Boy Doubra, Mrs. Sarah Kattey, Mr. Ossa, and Mr. Alen Igwe, the staff reaffirmed their confidence in the Council’s commitment to merit-based leadership and institutional reform.
Reacting to an anonymous publication questioning the credibility of the appointments, the staff described the allegations as a “disservice to the truth” and an effort to undermine the university’s steady progress.
“The process for the appointment of principal officers began with the approval of the advertisement document by the Governing Council.
“This was followed by a national call for applications, which was published in two widely circulated newspapers and shared on the university’s official staff platform.”
According to them, the Council subsequently set up a Selection Committee and engaged three independent consultants, each tasked with overseeing the recruitment for the positions of Registrar, Bursar, and University Librarian. The consultants collaborated with the committee to conduct a rigorous interview process that culminated in the recommendation of the top-performing candidates.
“The highest scorers were appointed, and this was done in line with due process, fairness, and integrity,” the staff said. “One, therefore, wonders what these faceless critics found lacking in a process that was both open and transparent.”
They hailed the leadership of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Alhaji Abdulahi Bardi, for steering the university towards excellence and institutional stability.
“The campus atmosphere reflects the joy and satisfaction of staff over the outcome. We have passed a vote of confidence in the entire Council and commend the visionary leadership of Alhaji Bardi,” the staff added.
Rejecting what they called “anonymous blackmail,” the NMU staff insisted the university would not be distracted by propaganda.
“NMU is not a breeding ground for lies. The progress here is measurable and verifiable. We urge the media, stakeholders, and the public to disregard the unfounded publication and continue to support the achievements being recorded under the current leadership,” the statement concluded.