Nigeria Maritime University Appoints Prof. Oluwafemi Flora Tobolayefa as second Female Vice-Chancellor
The Governing Council of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, has appointed Professor Oluwafemi Flora Tobolayefa as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
She is the second female professor to be appointed,the first female Vice-Chancellor was Professor Ongoebi Etebu.
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.
According to Bardi, the appointment followed a meticulous and transparent selection process that began in March 2025 with a national call for applications. A total of twelve candidates applied for the position, out of which six were shortlisted and interviewed on June 17, 2025.
The interviews were conducted by a six-member Selection Committee set up during an emergency meeting of the Governing Council on June 3. Professor Tobolayefa emerged as the top candidate with a merit score of 78.4%, surpassing all other contenders.
Bardi emphasized that the appointment was based strictly on the recommendations of the Selection Committee and in accordance with the statutory guidelines for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in federal universities.
A renowned microbiologist and accomplished academic, Professor Tobolayefa previously served as the Foundation Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at NMU and was also a former Head of Department at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Notably, she is the first female professor from the Gbaramatu Kingdom.
The Governing Council expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary support in advancing higher education and maritime institutions in Nigeria. The Council also acknowledged the contributions of the Honourable Minister of Education, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the National Assembly for their consistent partnership and legislative backing.
“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—staff, students, and community leaders—to give their full support to the new Vice-Chancellor as she leads the university into its next phase of development.
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