A new Vice-Chancellor has been appointment for the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State. She is Professor Oluwafemi Flora Tobolayefa. Professor Tobolayefa succeeds Professor Emmanuel Adigio whose tenure expired this month. Her appointment was announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Abdullahi Bardi, during a briefing on Wednesday, June 18.Professor Oluwafemi’s appointment came after a thorough selection process that began in March 2025 with a nationwide call for applications. Out of 12 applications received, six candidates were shortlisted and interviewed on June 17, 2025. The rigorous screening, according to an official of the University. The interview process was conducted by a six-member selection committee formed during the Governing Council’s emergency meeting on June 3.
Mr. Bardi highlighted that Professor Tobolayefa emerged as the leading candidate, scoring an impressive 78.4% based on merit. He emphasized that her appointment strictly followed the recommendations of the Selection Committee and adhered to all statutory requirements for federal university appointments.
The new Vice-Chancellor brings a wealth of experience and a strong academic background to her new role. She is a seasoned microbiologist and an accomplished academic, with a proven track record of academic excellence and leadership.
Her previous roles include serving as the Foundation Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the Nigerian Maritime University, and as a former Head of Department at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. She holds the distinction of being the first female professor from the Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Acknowledgments and Future Outlook
The Governing Council expressed its gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of higher education and maritime institutions in Nigeria. They also commended the Minister of Education for guidance, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its strategic partnership, and the National Assembly for its ongoing legislative support to the university.
“This appointment reflects the integrity of the process and our collective resolve to position the Nigeria Maritime University as a center of excellence in maritime education, research, and national development,” Bardi stated.
The Council urged all stakeholders, including staff, students, and community leaders, to support Professor Oluwafemi as she leads the institution into its next phase of growth.