Nigerian Maritime University Appoints New Vice-Chancellor
The Governing Council of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Delta State, has announced the appointment of Professor Oluwafemi Flora Tobolayefa as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution. She succeeds Professor Emmanuel Adigio, whose tenure officially ended this month.
The announcement was made by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Abdullahi Bardi, during a press briefing held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Professor Tobolayefa’s appointment follows a rigorous selection process that began in March 2025 with a nationwide call for applications. A total of 12 applications were received, from which six candidates were shortlisted and interviewed on June 17, 2025. The interview process was conducted by a six-member Selection Committee constituted during an emergency meeting of the Governing Council on June 3, 2025.
Mr. Bardi noted that Professor Tobolayefa emerged as the top candidate, scoring an outstanding 78.4% in the merit-based evaluation. He further emphasized that her appointment strictly followed the recommendations of the Selection Committee and complied fully with all statutory requirements governing appointments in federal universities.
Professor Oluwafemi Flora Tobolayefa is a distinguished microbiologist and a highly respected academic with a long-standing record of excellence in teaching, research, and university administration. She previously served as the Foundation Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of NMU and was formerly Head of Department at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Notably, she holds the honour of being the first female professor from the Gbaramatu Kingdom.
The Governing Council expressed its profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued commitment to higher education and the development of maritime institutions in Nigeria. The Council also acknowledged the Minister of Education for his invaluable guidance, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its strategic support, and the National Assembly for its sustained legislative backing to the University.
“This appointment underscores the integrity of our selection process and reflects our shared commitment to advancing the Nigerian Maritime University as a premier institution for maritime education, research, and national development,” Mr. Bardi stated.
The Council called on all stakeholders—including staff, students, alumni, and community leaders—to extend their full support to Professor Tobolayefa as she assumes leadership and steers the University into its next phase of growth and transformation.
