The Federal Government has stepped in to nullify the Nigerian Navy’s decision on the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor for Admiralty University, Ibuzor, Delta State.
Instead, it affirmed Professor Lucian O. Chukwu who came tops with 83.41 percent. He will serve a five-year tenure, effective February 28, 2025.
His appointment follows a rigorous selection process supervised by KPMG, one of the world’s leading audit and advisory firms.
A statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education emphasized the government’s commitment to merit, stating that Chukwu emerged as the best candidate among five contenders. The process, which began with an open call for applications in October 2024, saw 52 candidates vying for the position.
After thorough assessments, KPMG shortlisted three top contenders, with Chukwu leading, followed by Professor Christopher Bankole Ndubisi Ogbogbo with 72.5 percent and Professor Ifeoma Irene Ijeoma with 69.16 percent.
Despite this, an earlier announcement by the university’s Registrar, Commodore Isaac M. Mankilik , had declared Ogbogbo as the new VC, citing a council vote in his favor. However, this decision was not endorsed by the university’s Governing Council Chairman, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba.
The selection process involved multiple layers of scrutiny, including Senate and Council nominations, and was finalized with interviews conducted from February 24 to 26, 2025. Chukwu’s appointment marks a decisive move by the Federal Government to uphold transparency and excellence in university leadership.
Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa expressed confidence in Chukwu’s ability to steer the university toward greater academic and administrative success.
Reported by The Eagle Online.
