A lecturer at Rivers State University, Dr. Dike Harcourt Whyte, has denied allegations of appointment forgery, describing the claims as a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The allegations stem from a petition submitted on January 8, 2026, by the Nigerian Independent Educational Monitors to the university’s Vice Chancellor. The petition accused Dr. Whyte of using a forged appointment letter purportedly issued by Glorious Vision University to secure employment and subsequent promotions at RSU.
Copies of the petition were sent to the Rivers State Governor, Barrister Okey Wali SAN, Chairman, RSU Governing Council, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the National Universities Commission, and media organisations.
Signed by the group Director of Investigation and Monitoring, Gbaranee Ngofaaigha, the organisation alleged that Dr. Whyte falsely claimed to have lectured at Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State, before he was appointed Lecturer I in the Department of Mass Communication of Rivers State University in 2017.
According to the petitioners, candidates with PhD qualifications but without prior teaching experience are ordinarily employed as Lecturer II in Nigerian universities, except in specialised fields such as Law, Medicine, and Engineering. They alleged that Dr. Whyte secured the higher rank of Lecturer I by presenting what they described as fake employment documents from Glorious Vision University.
The group further claimed that enquiries made to the management of Glorious Vision University allegedly showed that the institution had no record of Dr. Whyte ever being employed there in any capacity. The petition stated that the response was conveyed by the university registrar, Dr. Mrs. P.O. Afolabi.
The petition also alleged that Dr. Whyte used the same representation to secure promotions to Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in 2019 and 2023, respectively, despite what the group described as unresolved allegations of fraud and gross misconduct.
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The organisation accused previous administrations of failing to properly investigate the matter and urged the current Vice Chancellor to reopen the case to protect the integrity of the university system.
The petitioners argued that students found guilty of certificate or document falsification are usually expelled, insisting that lecturers accused of similar misconduct should not be exempted from sanctions.
The petitioners further disclosed that they were investigating other alleged cases of certificate falsification involving some staff members of the university and promised to submit additional findings to the institution.
Reacting in an interview, Dr. Whyte dismissed the allegations as baseless and a calculated mischief to tarnish his image.
“I do not need to forge any document,” he said, insisting that he possesses the required academic qualifications and professional experience for his position.
He cited his past roles, including serving as a former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, as well as working with Book Service West Africa and McLuhan Consulting, as evidence of his credentials.
Dr. Whyte linked the allegation to an ongoing appraisal process at the university, suggesting that detractors were attempting to hinder his promotion.
He also questioned the credibility of the petitioners, noting that he had been unable to trace any contact details for them beyond what he saw on social media.
“What kind of petitioner has no address or phone number?” he asked, while challenging the group to come forward for an open discussion.
The lecturer further urged media practitioners, particularly citizen journalists, to verify information before publication to avoid damaging reputations.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Prof Zeb Obipi, in his response, said he was not the VC when Dr. Whyte was appointed.
“I wasn’t the VC when he was appointed. He was appointed several years ago, and I am not aware of any petition against his appointment”, he said.
Prof. Obipi stressed that he had requested a meeting with the petitioners as part of efforts to investigate the allegations.
“How come I just became Vice Chancellor, and they are writing a petition? To investigate the petition, I have requested to meet with the petitioners,” he stated.
