Tansian University: Late VC Didn’t Serve for Only Two Days, Sets Up 5-Man Panel to Probe Death

By Our Correspondent

Tansian University has set up a five-man investigative committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of its Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu, while debunking viral reports that he assumed office as Vice-Chancellor only two days before his death.

Viral reports had claimed that Umeoduagu assumed office on October 2, 2026, and died barely 24 hours later.

But the university, in a statement issued on Monday, said the reports were misleading, explaining that Umeoduagu had been formally authorised to act as Vice-Chancellor about two months earlier, following the medical absence of the former Vice-Chancellor.

According to the university, Umeoduagu continued in an acting capacity until September 30, when the tenure of the substantive Vice-Chancellor expired.

It said the arrangement was formally communicated to relevant public and regulatory authorities, stressing that his assumption of office was therefore not a sudden two-day development.

The clarification came as the university’s Board of Trustees and Management announced the constitution of the five-man committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

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

The committee has been given 48 hours to submit its action plan, including recommendations on the university’s involvement in the funeral arrangements and its response to the forthcoming autopsy report.

Obiorah described the late Vice-Chancellor as a “hero and a fine scholar” who fought bravely for the growth and development of the institution.

He, however, raised concerns over possible negligence in the circumstances surrounding the death, saying the autopsy would help establish what actually happened.

“The result of the autopsy will definitely reveal the true cause of his death,” Obiorah said, while announcing plans by the university to erect a memorial in honour of the late academic.

The Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Ellis Idemobi, also expressed concern over what he described as external variables that may have contributed to the sudden death, expressing optimism that the medical examination would “unravel the mystery” surrounding the tragedy.

The university said it would support the deceased’s family in its decision to authorise an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death.

Umeoduagu’s death has thrown the university community into mourning, with the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students describing it as a profound loss to the institution, his family and the Nigerian academic community.

The university described Umeoduagu as a vibrant and promising scholar who devoted considerable energy to strengthening its academic programmes and institutional standards.

It said his vision extended beyond Tansian University, as he strongly believed in the capacity of Nigerian universities to attain higher academic standards and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The university’s Bursar, Sir Valentine Ikeanyionwu, described him as a “Field Marshal” who championed the growth of the institution.

Following the board meeting, Idemobi led a high-powered university delegation on a condolence visit to the deceased’s family, describing Umeoduagu as “an outstanding scholar and a visionary leader” who guided the institution through critical times with unwavering commitment.

Meanwhile, Tansian University has declared a two-week mourning period in honour of the late academic.

Academic activities have been postponed, while the university flag will remain at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

The institution also appealed to the public and the media to respect the privacy of the bereaved family and refrain from speculation or the circulation of unverified information concerning the circumstances of the death.

It said the impact of Prof. Umeoduagu’s service, academic ideals and commitment to the advancement of education would remain part of the institutional memory of Tansian University.