Tansian University, a faith-based institution in Anambra State, Nigeria, has issued a statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of its Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu. According to the university's Registrar, Rev. Fr. De Nekent Anthony Uke, reports suggesting that Umeoduagu became Acting Vice-Chancellor only two days before his death were inaccurate. Umeoduagu, a 44-year-old professor of Microbiology, died in the early hours of Friday, shortly after the university's recent transition in leadership.
Umeoduagu had previously served as the institution's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and was also a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, where he represented Aguata 1 Constituency. The university stated that Umeoduagu had been authorised to act as Vice-Chancellor about two months earlier, following the commencement of the medical leave of the substantive Vice-Chancellor. He continued in the acting capacity until the expiration of the substantive Vice-Chancellor's tenure on September 30, 2026, and remained in office until his death.
The university's Registrar, Rev. Fr. Uke, emphasised that Umeoduagu's appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor was part of an established administrative arrangement that had been formally communicated to relevant public and regulatory bodies. Uke described Umeoduagu as a distinguished academic, legislator, administrator, and scholar who was committed to the advancement of higher education. The professor's death has been described as a major loss to Tansian University, his family, colleagues, students, and the wider academic community.
The university has expressed condolences to Umeoduagu's family, relatives, friends, colleagues, students, and associates, as well as others who knew and worked with him. The institution's management has noted with concern various reports circulating in the media suggesting that Umeoduagu served as Acting Vice-Chancellor for only two days prior to his death, which they say is not an accurate representation of the facts.
According to Rev. Fr. Uke, Umeoduagu served in an acting capacity as Vice-Chancellor for approximately two months, 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, and until his sudden demise. The university's statement aims to correct the misinformation and provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding Umeoduagu's appointment and death.
Tansian University, located in Anambra State, Nigeria, is a faith-based institution that offers various academic programs. The university's community is in mourning following the loss of Umeoduagu, who was a respected figure in the academic and legislative circles. His contributions to the institution and the wider community are being remembered and celebrated.
The university's clarification on Umeoduagu's appointment and death aims to provide closure and accurate information to the public, stakeholders, and the academic community. The institution remains committed to its mission of providing quality education and advancing the cause of higher learning, despite the loss of its Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Key points
- Tansian University clarifies that Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu served as Acting Vice-Chancellor for approximately two months before his death.
