TANSIAN UNIVERSITY CALLS FOR PEACE AND UNITY, HONOURS LEGACY OF LATE PROF. NNAMDI UMEODUAGU AS NEW ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR ASSUMES OFFICE

Umunya, Anambra State | October 13, 2026 – The Tansian University community has been urged to embrace peace, unity, and security in honour of the late Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnamdi Umeoduagu, who was remembered for his steadfast commitment to the institution's progress.

This call was made by the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Very Rev. Fr. Prof. E.S.C. Obiorah, during the formal handover ceremony to the new Acting Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Nwankwo. 

The event, held at the university’s Law Auditorium on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, was well-attended by academic and non-academic staff.
Describing the late Prof. Umeoduagu as an exceptional administrator, the Chancellor noted that despite his brief tenure, he made remarkable contributions that left an enduring impact on the university. 

In recognition of his service and legacy, the Chancellor disclosed that the institution has resolved to establish a memorial in his honour.
The Chancellor further explained that the appointment of the new Acting Vice-Chancellor followed a rigorous interview process conducted by the Board of Trustees prior to Prof. Umeoduagu's passing. 

He described Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Nwankwo as an erudite scholar with an outstanding reputation in the education sector. He called on all members of the university community to cooperate fully with the new administration to strengthen the institution's credibility and position Tansian University as one of Nigeria's leading centres of academic excellence.

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Ellis Idemobi, acknowledged the inspiration he drew from the late Prof. Umeoduagu’s brief administration, describing him as a man who fought a good fight and remained steadfast in his service.

 He expressed confidence that the late professor's contributions would continue to inspire the institution, adding that his life and service deserve lasting recognition.

 Prof. Idemobi also addressed issues surrounding the university's leadership transition. He explained that the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nwadialor, had formally handed over the administration to the late Prof. Umeoduagu before proceeding on medical and retirement leave with his full benefits. 

According to the Pro-Chancellor, subsequent claims regarding a five-year tenure extension for the former VC are entirely unfounded, as the Board of Trustees never approved such an extension.

.Furthermore, Prof. Idemobi dismissed rumors that Tansian University is solely owned by Rev. Fr. Prof. Obiorah SAN, clarifying that from available documents, the institution belongs to the Church as represented by the Catholic Dioceses of Awka and Ekwulobia. He commended the Chancellor’s leadership, describing his contributions to the development of the University as significant and far-reaching . 

In his inaugural speech, the incoming Acting Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Nwankwo, described his appointment as "one of the miracles of Blessed Iwene Tansi." He paid tribute to the late Prof. Umeoduagu, acknowledging his admirable credentials, leadership qualities, and dedication to the institution.

Prof. Nwankwo assured the university community that he has assumed office with a peaceful disposition, renewed determination, and a strong commitment to raising academic standards and advancing the university's reputation. 

He urged staff and students to prioritize personal development, professional excellence, and institutional progress rather than engaging in matters capable of undermining their individual reputations or that of the university.

The highlight of the ceremony were the Chancellor's and the Pro-Chancellor's formal presentation of the university's official documents and a new official vehicle to the incoming Acting Vice-Chancellor.

TANSIAN UNIVERSITY APPOINTS REV. FR. PROF. NNAMDI NWANKWO ACTING VICE CHANCELLOR

       Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Nwankwo 

Appointment Follows Sudden Death of Newly Installed Ag Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umeoduagu.
-UMUNYA, Anambra State, Nigeria .

Following the sudden and tragic death of its newly installed Ag Vice Chancellor, Professor Carter Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu, the Management of Tansian University has appointed Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Ambrose Nwankwo as its Acting Vice Chancellor.
  
  The 44-year-old Professor of Microbiology and former Anambra State lawmaker died on October 2, 2026, shortly after his official installation as Ag Vice Chancellor. 

The development had plunged the university community into mourning and prompted the institution to establish an investigative panel into the circumstances surrounding the death of Prof Umeoduagu and declared a two week mourning over his untimely death.

SENATE WELCOMES APPOINTMENT   
Some members of the Tansian University Senate who were contacted expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Prof. Umeoduagu and welcomed the appointment of Prof. Nwankwo, describing his extensive experience in academia, administration and the clergy background as valuable to the university at this critical period.
    
Other members of the University community also expressed confidence that the new Acting Vice Chancellor would help maintain institutional stability and ensure continuity in academic programmes, student welfare, reconciliation and mutual co-existence.

AN EXPERIENCED ADMINISTRATOR
    Prof. Nwankwo brings extensive experience in tertiary education administration. He recently served as the 3rd Rector of Enugu State Polytechnic (ESPOLY), Iwollo, where he supervised the relocation of the institution to its permanent site at Aguobu-Iwollo.
    
During his tenure, he secured 100 percent accreditation for 22 academic programmes, organised the institution's first convocation and facilitated major infrastructural development through TETFund support. He also strengthened the polytechnic's commercial agricultural activities.
    
An alumnus of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Prof. Nwankwo holds a Ph.D. from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and previously spent 12 years lecturing in Philosophy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He also served for 12 years as Principal of the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu.

CLERICAL AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES
    A senior cleric of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Fr. Nwankwo served as Episcopal Vicar for Priests and Episcopal Vicar for Public Relations. He also held civic responsibilities, including Deputy Chairman of the Enugu State Christian Pilgrim Board and Chairman of the Enugu State Pension Review Committee.
    
As he assumes office, members of the university Community have pledged their cooperation to ensure the continuity of the academic calendar, accreditation activities and staff and student welfare programmes during the transition.

Signed:
Fidelis Nwakwesili
Chief Press Secretary
Tansian University

TANSIAN UNIVERSITY APPOINTS REV. FR. PROF. NNAMDI AMBROSE NWANKWO AS ACTING VICE CHANCELLOR

    Rev. Fr. Prof. Ambrose Nwankwo 


The Management of Tansian University, Umunya is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Ambrose Nwankwo as the new Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, following the untimely and sudden death of the University's former Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu.

The University wishes to emphasise that the appointment of Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Ambrose Nwankwo is not an emergency or arbitrary appointment. He is a product of a duly conducted advertisement, application, and interview process that was long initiated by the Governing Council of the University for the position of Vice Chancellor.

Following the successful completion of the selection and interview process, the Governing Council recommended Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Ambrose Nwankwo to the Board of Trustees for consideration and approval. 

At a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and Governing Council held on 5th October 2026, the Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of the Governing Council and consequently authorised his appointment as Acting Vice Chancellor of Tansian University, effective immediately.

His appointment is for an initial period of six (6) months, after which his appointment may be confirmed or further reviewed in accordance with the University's governing processes.

The University is confident that Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Ambrose Nwankwo brings to the office a wealth of academic experience, administrative exposure, teaching and learning expertise, and University-system experience. 

The University expects that he will use his wealth of experience to contribute significantly to strengthening the University's corporate governance, academic programmes, institutional development, and the much needed reconciliation in its pursuit of higher academic standards, peaceful co-existence, conducive academic environment and global recognition.

Management remains committed to ensuring stability, continuity, transparency, and excellence in the administration of the University.
 
 

Signed:

Fidelis Nwakwesili 
 
Chief Press Secretary

Tansian University

Umunya, Anambra State.

Tansian University Sets Up 5-Man Panel To Probe Substantive Acting Vice Chancellor's Sudden Death

  

    Very Rev. Fr. Prof.  E.S.C. Obiorah (SAN)

        Members of Tansian University 

                 Board of Trustees

 The Management of Tansian University has established a five-man investigative committee to determine the cause of death of its newly sworn-in Substantive Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Nnamdi Umeoduagu, who passed away on October 2, 2026.

The announcement was made by the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. E.S.C. Obiorah (SAN), during a board meeting. 

The committee has been given a 48-hour mandate to submit its action plan, which includes defining the university's involvement in the funeral arrangements and reviewing the upcoming autopsy report.

While addressing the board, Fr. Obiorah praised the late Acting Vice Chancellor's brief but impactful administration and announced plans to erect a memorial in his honour. 

Describing Professor Umeoduagu as a "hero and a fine scholar," the Chancellor noted that while the academic fought bravely for the institution, negligence may have played a role in the circumstances surrounding his death.

"The result of the autopsy will definitely reveal the true cause of his death," Fr. Obiorah stated, while expressing gratitude to Pro-Chancellor Prof. Ellis Idemobi and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics and Security) Prof. Anthony Ngonadi for their swift action in conveying the remains to the morgue.

Echoing the Chancellor's sentiments, Pro-Chancellor Prof. Idemobi also pointed to external variables contributing to the sudden demise, stating he remains optimistic that medical examinations will "unravel the mystery" behind the death.

University Bursar, Sir Valentine Ikeanyionwu, expressed profound shock over the tragedy, which occurred shortly after a management meeting, describing Professor Umeoduagu as a "Field Marshal" who championed the growth of the institution.

Following the board meeting, Prof. Idemobi led a high-powered university delegation on a condolence visit to the deceased’s family.

"Professor Umeoduagu was an outstanding scholar and a visionary leader who guided this institution through critical times with unwavering commitment," Prof. Idemobi said during the visit, offering prayers for the family to bear the irreparable loss.

TANSIAN UNIVERSITY MOURNS ACTING VC, PROF. NNAMDI UMEODUAGU

 

       Late Prof. Nnamdi Umeoduagu

Management clarifies circumstances of his appointment, announces two-week mourning period.
UMUNYA, Anambra State — October 5, 2026
The Tansian University community is mourning the sudden and untimely death of its Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu, with the University describing his death as a profound loss to the institution, his family and the Nigerian academic community.
In an official statement issued by the University on October 5, 2026, the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students expressed deep sadness over the death of the university administrator, scholar and former legislator.
The University described Prof. Umeoduagu as a distinguished academic and committed servant of the institution whose dedication extended beyond Tansian University to the broader advancement of higher education in Nigeria.
University clarifies his role as Acting Vice-Chancellor:
Tansian University also moved to clarify reports concerning the circumstances surrounding Prof. Umeoduagu's assumption of office as Acting Vice-Chancellor.
According to the statement, reports suggesting that he had served as Acting Vice-Chancellor for only two days before his death did not accurately reflect the facts.
The University said Prof. Umeoduagu had been formally authorised to act as Vice-Chancellor before the recent transition, following the medical absence of the substantive Vice-Chancellor.
He subsequently served in an acting capacity for approximately two months, beginning from the period when the substantive Vice-Chancellor proceeded on medical leave until the expiration of the substantive Vice-Chancellor's tenure on September 30, 2026.
“His assumption of office was therefore not a sudden development of merely two days,” the University stated, explaining that the arrangement formed part of an established administrative process that had been formally communicated to relevant public and regulatory authorities.
Management said the clarification was necessary both to correct what it described as an inaccurate narrative and to properly acknowledge the period of service and sacrifice rendered by Prof. Umeoduagu during a critical period in the life of the university.
A scholar committed to academic excellence:
The University described Prof. Umeoduagu as a young, vibrant and promising academic who devoted considerable energy to strengthening Tansian University's academic programmes and institutional standards.
According to the statement, he was committed to creating an academic environment capable of producing graduates who would contribute meaningfully to society.
His vision, the University noted, extended beyond Tansian University, as he strongly believed in the capacity of Nigerian universities to attain higher academic standards and contribute significantly to national development.
His death, Management said, therefore represents not only the loss of an administrator and academic leader but also the loss of a promising scholar whose contributions to education were cut short.
University declares two-week mourning period:
In honour of the late Acting Vice-Chancellor, Tansian University has announced a two-week period of institutional mourning.
The University said academic activities had been postponed as part of measures to mourn and honour Prof. Umeoduagu.
The university flag will also be lowered throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the late academic.
Management extended its condolences to his immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues, students, associates and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
University appeals against speculation
The University appealed to members of the public and the media to respect the privacy and dignity of the bereaved family and the university community.
It also urged the public to refrain from speculation or dissemination of unverified information concerning the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to the statement, the University will support the family's decision to authorise an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death.
“Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu may have departed this world suddenly, but the impact of his service, his academic ideals, and his commitment to the advancement of education will remain part of the institutional memory of Tansian University,” the statement said.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Signed:

Fidelis Nwakwesili 

Chief Press Secretary 

Tansian University  

TANSIAN UNIVERSITY

 

Tansian University Management Dismisses ‘Palace Coup’ Claim, Challenges Former VC to Produce Tenure Extension

 

University says Nwadialor’s tenure expired September 30; insists leadership transition followed due process

UMUNYA, Anambra State — The Management of Tansian University has dismissed as unfounded the claim by its former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eugene Okoye Nwadialor, that his exit from office was the result of a “palace coup,” insisting that the leadership transition followed established institutional procedures and the expiration of his tenure.

In a strongly worded response to the former Vice-Chancellor’s allegations, the university said Nwadialor’s original five-year appointment commenced in May 2019 and was subsequently extended only until September 30, 2026.

Management specifically challenged the former Vice-Chancellor to produce the alleged letter and Governing Council resolution purportedly extending his tenure for another five years to 2030.

The university said its governance is anchored on formal instruments, resolutions and decisions of its competent organs, stressing that no claim of a further tenure extension could be sustained without documentary evidence.

“In the absence of any valid documentary evidence establishing a further five-year tenure, there is no basis whatsoever for the assertion that the former Vice-Chancellor’s tenure extended to May 2030,” the university stated.

Handover was necessary to avert administrative vacuum

Management also rejected the former Vice-Chancellor’s account of his absence from the university, saying the records showed that Nwadialor formally handed over the administration of the institution to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Dike Nnamdi Umeoduagu, effective July 20, 2026, before travelling abroad for medical treatment.

The university noted that Nwadialor subsequently acknowledged returning to Nigeria on September 22, 2026, meaning that his absence lasted more than eight weeks.

Management said the formal handover was necessary to ensure the uninterrupted administration of the university, particularly given the need to sustain academic programmes, examinations, financial operations, accreditation processes and other critical institutional activities.

It therefore described the suggestion that Umeoduagu’s assumption of administrative responsibilities constituted a “palace coup” as misleading.

According to the university, the development was an administrative necessity arising from the Vice-Chancellor’s prolonged absence and was carried out within the institution’s established governance framework.

University raises questions over 2019 appointment

The Management also drew attention to the circumstances surrounding Nwadialor’s appointment in 2019, noting that he was 78 years old at the time and is now 85.

It said the relevant rules governing appointments, tenure and retirement within the university system would need to be considered in assessing the circumstances surrounding his appointment and subsequent tenure.

The university stressed, however, that its position on the leadership transition was primarily based on the applicable institutional decisions and the expiration of the former Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.

Medical treatment respected, but administration had to continue

On Nwadialor’s medical absence, Management said it fully respected his right to seek medical treatment but maintained that the prolonged period away from the university made it imperative for administrative responsibilities to be formally transferred.

The university further disclosed that Nwadialor was granted terminal leave by the Governing Council up to the end of his tenure on September 30, 2026.

Following the expiration of his tenure, Prof. Dike Nnamdi Umeoduagu was appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor.

Management also stated that the former Vice-Chancellor had received his applicable terminal benefits, including a take-home vehicle, severance benefits and payment in lieu of accumulated leave.

University alleges incident involving armed men

In another serious allegation, the university claimed that Nwadialor, upon his return to the institution, arrived on the university premises accompanied by unidentified armed men who allegedly arrested members of the university’s security personnel and took them to an unknown destination.

Management called on the appropriate security authorities to investigate the allegation and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The university said it remained committed to cooperating with any competent authority that may wish to examine its records or investigate the circumstances surrounding the transition.

‘No palace coup, no unlawful seizure of power’

Tansian University Management reiterated that the change in leadership was not an unlawful seizure of power but a transition undertaken through the institution’s established governance structures.

It maintained that the Governing Council and other competent organs of the university acted within their respective mandates to ensure continuity, stability and uninterrupted academic administration.

“The transition was not a palace coup. It was the outcome of institutional decisions taken within the framework of the university’s governing instruments and the expiration of the former Vice-Chancellor’s tenure,” Management said.

The university urged members of the public, staff, students, parents and other stakeholders to disregard narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension or undermining confidence in the institution.

It reaffirmed its commitment to peace, institutional stability, academic excellence, due process and the rule of law.

Signed:
Fidelis Nwakwesili
Chief Press Secretary
Tansian University