NEWS
Tansian University Sets Record Straight On Late Acting VC, Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu’s Tenure, Says He Served For About Two Months
Tansian University, Anambra State, has moved to correct reports surrounding the brief tenure of its late Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu, insisting that the 44-year-old professor did not assume office only two days before his sudden death.
Umeoduagu, a professor of Microbiology, died in the early hours of Friday, shortly after a recent transition in the leadership of the university. His death came as a major shock to the institution and the wider academic community, particularly given his relatively young age and his experience in both academia and public service.
Before becoming Acting Vice-Chancellor, Umeoduagu had served as the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), placing him among the institution’s senior academic administrators.
Beyond the university environment, he was also a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, where he represented Aguata 1 Constituency, combining a career in academia with legislative and public service responsibilities. Following reports that he had been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor just two days before his death, the university issued a clarification to set the record straight.
In a statement signed by the Registrar, Rev. Fr. De Nekent Anthony Uke, the institution said the reports did not accurately reflect the circumstances surrounding Umeoduagu’s assumption of the acting position. The Registrar explained that the late professor had been formally authorised to perform the duties of Vice-Chancellor approximately two months before his death.
According to the university, the arrangement followed the commencement of medical leave by the substantive Vice-Chancellor, after which Umeoduagu assumed responsibility in an acting capacity. The university further explained that he continued in the position through the leadership transition and remained Acting Vice-Chancellor until his death.
“The Management of Tansian University has noted with concern various reports circulating in the media suggesting that Prof. Umeoduagu served as Acting Vice-Chancellor for only two days prior to his death.
“This is not an accurate representation of the facts. Prof. Umeoduagu had been formally authorised to act in the office of the Vice-Chancellor well before the recent transition, following the commencement of the medical absence of the substantive Vice-Chancellor.
“He consequently 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 30th September, 2026 and until his sudden demise,” Uke stated.
The university said the acting appointment was not an emergency arrangement introduced during the final days of Umeoduagu’s life, but rather part of an established administrative process that had been formally communicated to relevant public and regulatory authorities.
The clarification effectively seeks to distinguish the actual duration of his service as Acting Vice-Chancellor from reports that had linked his appointment solely to the university’s recent leadership transition.
Umeoduagu’s death has left a significant void within Tansian University, where he was regarded not only as an accomplished academic but also as an administrator with experience in institutional leadership.
Describing the deceased as a distinguished academic, legislator, administrator and scholar, the university said he was deeply committed to the advancement of higher education. His combination of academic expertise, administrative responsibilities and previous legislative experience had positioned him as a notable figure within the university community and beyond.
The institution said his sudden passing was a major loss to Tansian University, his immediate family, colleagues, students and the broader academic community.
The university subsequently extended its condolences to his family, relatives, friends, colleagues, students and associates, as well as to all those who knew and worked with the late professor.
As the university mourns his passing, the institution’s clarification is expected to put to rest the controversy surrounding how long Umeoduagu served as Acting Vice-Chancellor before his untimely death.