The management of Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, has called on members of the university community to embrace peace, unity and security in honour of the late Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnamdi Umeoduagu, whose contributions to the institution were described as significant and enduring.
The 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 newly appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Nnamdi Nwankwo.
According to a statement issued by the university’s Chief Press Secretary, Fidelis Nwakwesili, the ceremony was held at the institution’s Law Auditorium on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and was attended by academic and non-academic staff.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Obiorah described the late Prof. Umeoduagu as an exceptional administrator who made remarkable contributions to the development of the university despite his brief tenure.
To preserve his legacy, the Chancellor announced that the university had resolved to establish a memorial in his honour.
He also explained that the appointment of the new Acting Vice-Chancellor followed a rigorous interview process conducted by the Board of Trustees before the death of Prof. Umeoduagu.
Describing the new Acting Vice-Chancellor as an accomplished scholar with an outstanding reputation in the education sector, the Chancellor urged members of the university community to cooperate with the new administration to strengthen the institution’s credibility and position it among Nigeria’s leading centres of academic excellence.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Ellis Idemobi, paid tribute to the late professor, describing him as a dedicated administrator who remained committed to his responsibilities and made meaningful contributions to the university.
He expressed confidence that Prof. Umeoduagu’s achievements would continue to inspire the institution, stressing that his service deserved lasting recognition.
Prof. Idemobi also addressed issues surrounding the university’s leadership transition. He stated that the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nwadialor, had formally handed over the administration to Prof. Umeoduagu before proceeding on medical and retirement leave with his full benefits.
According to him, reports suggesting that the former Vice-Chancellor had been granted a five-year tenure extension were unfounded, as the Board of Trustees did not approve any such arrangement.
The Pro-Chancellor further dismissed claims that Tansian University was solely owned by Rev. Fr. Prof. Obiorah, clarifying that the institution was jointly owned by the Catholic Dioceses of Awka and Ekwulobia.
He also commended the Chancellor for his contributions to the university’s growth and development.
In his inaugural address, the new 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 his predecessor, acknowledging the late Prof. Umeoduagu’s academic credentials, leadership qualities and dedication to the institution.
Prof. Nwankwo assured staff and students that he had assumed office with a peaceful disposition, renewed determination and a strong commitment to improving academic standards and enhancing the university’s reputation.
He urged members of the university community to focus on personal development, professional excellence and institutional progress, rather than engaging in activities capable of damaging their individual reputations or bringing the institution into disrepute.
The ceremony ended with the formal presentation of the university’s official documents and a new official vehicle to the incoming Acting Vice-Chancellor by the Chancellor and the Pro-Chancellor.
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