Barely five days after the Federal Government announced Professor Lucian Chukwu as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Admiralty University, Ibusa, Delta State, the decision has been reversed. In a dramatic turn of events, the government has now confirmed Professor Christopher Ogbogbo as the new Vice-Chancellor, leading to the resignation of the university’s governing council chairman, Dele Ezeoba, in protest.
Government Admits Error, Confirms Ogbogbo
In a statement released on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Education, Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, acknowledged that due process had not been properly followed in the initial selection, prompting a review.
“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 Professor Christopher B.N. Ogbogbo is the most eligible candidate for the position of substantive Vice-Chancellor of ADUN,” the statement read.
The ministry also announced the declassification of the Council’s 21st Extraordinary Meeting Report, held on February 26–27, 2025, to promote full transparency in the process.
Governing Council Chairman Resigns in Protest
The reversal has led to the resignation of Dele Ezeoba, chairman of the university’s governing council, who described the decision as a negation of transparency and merit-based appointments.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, Ezeoba stated:
“I pride myself in the ethos of truth, fairness, equity, transparency, and justice as the fundamental principles of purposeful leadership. The controversy arising from the negation of a transparent and merit-based interview process leading to the selection and appointment of a substantive vice-chancellor is prejudicial and inimical to national development.”
His resignation took effect on March 6, 2025.
Selection Process: Merit vs. Political Influence?
The university had advertised the vacant VC position in October 2024, receiving 52 applications. A multinational consultancy engaged by the governing council assessed candidates based on advertised criteria, leading to a shortlist of five finalists.
The shortlisted candidates and their scores in the selection process were:
- Lucian Chukwu (Marine Biology, University of Lagos) – 83.41%
- Christopher Ogbogbo (African History, University of Ibadan) – 72.5%
- Ifeoma Ijeh (Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University) – 69.16%
- Sunny Iyuke (Chemical & Process Engineering, PTI Effurun) – 60.83%
- Lawrence Omo-Aghoja (College of Medicine, DELSU Abraka) – 59.5%
With the pass mark set at 70%, Chukwu was the only candidate to exceed the threshold. However, some members of the governing council opposed his appointment, advocating for Ogbogbo instead.
Ezeoba had insisted that the highest-scoring candidate should be appointed, but the council overruled him, escalating the matter to the Minister of Education on February 27, 2025. The minister initially halted the selection process for review, but on February 28, the university registrar, Isaac Mankilik, announced Ogbogbo as the preferred candidate—a move that Ezeoba condemned as illegal.
What Next for Admiralty University?
As Professor Ogbogbo assumes office, he is set to succeed Professor Paul Omojo Omaji, who served as the pioneer VC since 2017 and was granted a six-month extension until December 31, 2023. The role has remained vacant since April 1, 2024, amid leadership disputes.
The controversy surrounding his appointment raises questions about transparency, political influence, and meritocracy in Nigeria’s university system. Will the decision stand, or could further intervention alter the outcome? Only time will tell.
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