Nigerian Navy Clarifies Misleading Publication on Admiralty University

The Nigerian Navy has reacted to a news publication titled “Absurdities in Admiralty University” that was released on 28th June 2023. the Navt throtuh it spokseman said, While normally such publications would be disregarded as the work of mischief makers driven by personal agendas, the NN feels compelled to set the record straight due to its responsibilities to the Federal Government, stakeholders of the University, and the general public. The following points aim to provide clarity:

1. Establishment of Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN): ADUN was established in 2017 as a Public Private Partnership between the NN (represented by Navy Holdings Limited (NHL)) and Hellenic Education Nigeria Limited (HENL). It received a provisional license as a private university from the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 19th December 2017 and commenced academic activities in January 2019.
2. Conversion to a Public University: Due to irreconcilable differences between the partners, the NHL decided, in the national and public interest, to acquire the interest of HENL and convert ADUN into a public university. The partnership between NHL and HENL was dissolved by mutual consent on 21st March 2022. In December 2022, the National Assembly passed a Bill to convert the University to a conventional public university, and it was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR on 8th February 2023 as the Admiralty University of Nigeria, Ibusa (Establishment) Act 2022.
3. Change of Status Process: The conversion of a university from private to public is a process involving key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). NHL has engaged in multiple high-level discussions with the Federal Ministries of Education and Defence, as well as the NUC, to facilitate this conversion. The Federal Ministry of Education has initiated the process, but as of now, ADUN is yet to be officially recognized as a federal public university by the ministry or the NUC.
4. Transitional Governing Council (TGC): In accordance with Section 38 of the ADUN Establishment Act 2022, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) established the TGC to govern the University “before the coming into force of the Act.” The NN, through NHL, has been providing resources to the University, and the TGC has ensured the stability of its management and leadership.
5. Leadership Extension: The incumbent Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Omojo Omaji, applied for a renewal of his appointment for an additional 5-year period, in line with his contract. However, considering the ongoing transition of the University, the TGC declined the renewal but approved a 6-month extension to avoid a leadership vacuum. The aim is for NHL to expedite the change of status process so that necessary actions and due processes can be followed to appoint a substantive Vice Chancellor. This extension was endorsed by the CNS on 9th June 2023 and re-affirmed by the TGC on 14th June 2023.
6. Commitment to Excellence: ADUN is a law-abiding institution dedicated to providing quality education and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s Maritime Sector. It celebrated its first convocation in November 2022 after four years of academic activities. The University is currently going through a delicate transition process, similar to other former military tertiary institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, and Nigerian Army University, Biu.
7. Alignment with Established Law: The ADUN Law 2022 provides a clear framework for the governance and administration of the university. The call for external intervention to fill positions goes against the established processes and requirements set forth in the ADUN Law.
8. Current Priorities: ADUN’s current focus lies in expediting the processes of takeover by the Federal Ministry of Education and the subsequent change of status by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Additionally, the constitution of the Governing Council, as outlined in Section 9 of the ADUN Establishment Act 2022, is a crucial step that needs to be addressed promptly. According to Navy Spokesman AO AYO VAUGHAN he maintained that the Admiralty University of Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to providing quality education and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s Maritime Sector. ADUN will not be swayed by baseless and malicious allegations. The university will continue working diligently to achieve its vision of becoming a world-class institution of higher learning, dedicated to nurturing exceptional leaders.It is disheartening that the writer of the report chose to make derogatory remarks about the former President’s commitment to governance, only to suggest arbitrary intervention by the current President against the spirit and provisions of the university’s Establishment Law. Such actions demonstrate ignorance and unethical tendencies on the part of the writer, their sponsors, and any collaborators involved.