TANSIAN UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT CLARIFIES GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP TIMELINE

The Management of Tansian University has observed a recent publication attributed to the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eugene Okoye Nwadialor. 

The publication contains several inaccurate allegations regarding the University’s administration and its current leadership under the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dike Nnamdi Umeoduagu.

While institutional dignity often dictates a quiet resolution to internal transitions, the material omissions and misleading assertions in the public domain necessitate this formal response. 

To preserve corporate integrity and ensure our stakeholders remain accurately informed, the University Management presents the verifiable records below.
1. The Legal Framework of Prof. Nwadialor’s Tenure:
Prof. Eugene Okoye Nwadialor was appointed Vice-Chancellor in May 2019 for a statutory five-year term, which concluded in May 2024. Following this, the competent governing authority granted a specific administrative extension, which officially terminated today, 30 September 2026.

Prof. Nwadialor has publicly asserted that his appointment was renewed by the Governing Council for a further five-year term extending to 2030.

As a structured institution governed by formal instruments, Tansian University operates strictly on documentary evidence. 

A tenure extension cannot rest upon verbal or personal assertion. Consequently, Management openly challenges the former Vice-Chancellor to produce the official letter of renewal, the corresponding Governing Council resolution, or any legally binding instrument that validates a term extension to 2030. 

In the absence of such documentation, the claim remains entirely without basis.

2. Continuity of Administration vs. Misleading Narratives:
The transition of leadership at Tansian University was neither sudden nor clandestine. Because the extended tenure was long scheduled to conclude on 30 September 2026, current administrative arrangements are simply the execution of lawful corporate timelines.

Management fully respects the rights of all personnel to attend to personal and medical matters. 

However, the expiration of a statutory contract is a matter of administrative law, completely independent of personal circumstances or medical travel.

3. Verification of the Handover and Operational Timeline:
To prevent an administrative vacuum during his medical leave, Prof. Nwadialor formally and voluntarily handed over the administration of the University to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Dike Nnamdi Umeoduagu.
This handover was a standard institutional requirement to ensure uninterrupted operations. 

A university cannot cease functioning; students require ongoing academic programmes, staff require administrative direction, and essential regulatory, financial, and accreditation activities must proceed. 

Prof. Umeoduagu’s assumption of responsibilities was a lawful measure to maintain institutional continuity, not a hostile administrative takeover.

Furthermore, official University records refute Prof. Nwadialor's public assertion that his absence lasted approximately four weeks:
• Effective Date of Handover: 20 July 2026 (as executed in Prof. Nwadialor's own handover letter)
• Date of Return to Nigeria: 22 September 2026 (as stated in his own publication)

The verified timeline demonstrates a documented absence of over two months, during which institutional governance was lawfully maintained by the current administration.

Moving Forward:
Tansian University remains resolutely focused on its core mandate of academic excellence, strict adherence to corporate governance, and transparency. 

We urge our regulatory bodies, academic community, partners, and the general public to rely strictly on official university records and disregard speculative accounts.


Signed:
Fidelis Nwakwesili 
Chief Press Secretary 
Tansian University

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE CHANCELLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TANSIAN UNIVERSITY, VERY REV. FR. PROF. EDWIN S.C. OBIORAH, JSD, SAN, ON THE SUSTAINED ADMINISTRATIVE STABILITY OF TANSIAN UNIVERSITY AND REBUTTAL OF THE PURPORTED NUC DISSOLUTION RUMOURS.

    

Very Rev Fr. Prof. E.S.C. Obiorah 

(SAN) 

 Gentlemen of the press, members of the academic community, and distinguished stakeholders of Tansian University.

 I address you today in my statutory capacity as the lawful, valid, and fully subsisting Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of this great institution.

We have been drawn to malicious, speculative, and completely unfounded narratives circulating in sections of the media regarding a "purported decision" by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to dissolve the Governing Council and Boards of Tansian University.

Let me state categorically, clearly, and without an iota of ambiguity: The regulatory organs, Governing Council, and Board of Trustees of Tansian University remain fully intact, completely functional, and legally unassailable. No such directive has been issued by the NUC.

 The university management is fully aware that these sensational reports are the handiwork of external detractors, disgruntled elements, and entities with undisclosed, selfish interests attempting to undermine the hard-earned stability and leadership of our institution.

Institutional Validity: The leadership architecture of Tansian University operates under rigid legal frameworks and institutional guidelines backed by the appropriate regulatory bodies. 

 The NUC is a regulatory body established by law to ensure academic quality, standards, and accreditation; it is not a court of law, a commercial proprietor, or an equity holder in private educational institutions. 

The National Universities Commission Act vests the Commission with powers to lay down minimum academic standards, accredit programmes, and advise the Federal Government on the establishment and financial needs of universities. Nowhere within the NUC Act is the Commission granted the statutory power to unilaterally dissolve, suspend, or reconstitute the Governing Council or Board of Trustees of a privately funded university.

: Under the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act (Cap E3, LFN 2004), the power to manage, govern, and control the internal administrative organs of a private university resides strictly with its designated proprietors, Board of Trustees, and Council as set out in the university’s approved Law and Charter. 

The NUC’s regulatory intervention over private universities is bounded by academic compliance, not corporate expropriation.

Privatization of Property and the 1999 Constitution: A private university is a corporate entity registered under the relevant laws of Nigeria (including the Companies and Allied Matters Act). The constitution of its Governing Council is a matter of private law and internal corporate governance. Any unilateral dissolution of a private university's council by a regulatory body constitutes a direct infringement on the Right to Own Property and the Right to Fair Hearing guaranteed under Sections 43 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

Judicial Precedents on Regulatory Arbitrariness: Nigerian jurisprudence is clear that statutory regulators cannot exercise powers not expressly granted to them by their enabling legislation. The management relies firmly on established supreme court precedents affirming that an administrative body cannot override the domestic autonomy of a private institution or determine internal ownership disputes without a definitive order from a competent court of law.

NUC is strictly collaborative and compliant with the laws governing private tertiary education in Nigeria. The NUC is a regulatory body operating under the rule of law; it does not arbitrarily dissolve the governing structures of private universities over external, baseless agitations.


 The Federal High Court in Abuja has hitherto delivered judgment in a lawsuit instituted by the group operating under the name "Missionary Servants of the Church."

In its ruling, the Court declared that the "Missionary Servants of the Church" is not recognized as a legal entity. Consequently, the group completely lacks the legal capacity to own, manage, or lay any lawful claim to a university.

This judgment definitively resolves the legal status of the group and its claims regarding university ownership.

Malicious Distortions: The public is strongly urged to disregard the deliberate character assassination, distortions, and fake news intended to trigger panic among our students, parents, and partners.

Current Activities and Unbroken Academic Calendar: While the purveyors of falsehood continue their futile distractions, the Management of Tansian University has remained focused on its core mandate: academic excellence, moral rectitude, and infrastructural expansion.

Academic Progress: We are fully operating across our campuses at Umunya and Oba, ensuring that lectures, research, and administrative tasks proceed seamlessly without a single day of disruption.

Admissions Ongoing: The university has successfully opened its gates for the 2026/2027 academic session. Applications for Post-UTME and Direct Entry are being processed smoothly, showing the immense confidence the public still holds in our institution.

Legal Protections: As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), I assure all stakeholders that our legal team has taken appropriate actions to protect the institution’s sanctity from unlawful interference or defamatory publications.

A Call to the Public and Stakeholders of Tansian University was built on a vision of principled leadership and dedicated service. We will not allow the legacy of our foundation to be stained by desperate narratives. The management remains strong, united, and completely in control.

We urge parents, guardians, students, and the host communities to completely disregard these fake publications. 

We remain fully committed to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders under our undisputed and focused stewardship.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

Signed:Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Edwin S.C. Obiorah, JSD, (SAN).

Court Steps In, Orders Immediate Evacuation of "Invaders" from Tansian University.

A major legal showdown is unfolding at the High Court of Anambra State, and it centers on Tansian University, Umunya.

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the high Court of Awka Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Justice Ike Ogu, issued a decisive interim order following an escalating conflict on the university campus.

What Happened?The trouble dates back to September 8, 2026, when an influx of individuals was allegedly brought into or allowed onto the Tansian University premises. 

Seeking to protect the institution, the university’s top management—including the Acting Vice Chancellor (Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu), the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Prof. Anthony Ngonadi), and the Registrar (Rev. Innocent Uke)—dragged multiple high-profile individuals and agencies to court.

The heavy-hitting list of respondents includes the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCD), its Commandant General, the Anambra State Civil Defence Commander (Mr. Makurdi Olatunde), Engr. Augustine C. Emelobe (Igwe of Oba Town), and several others.
.
The Court’s Verdict: Represented by a powerhouse legal team led by Prof. E.S.C. Obiorah (SAN), the university management successfully obtained crucial emergency orders.

Justice Ogu, after hearing the ex-parte application filed on September 15, with an affidavit in support deposed to by Prof. Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu, directed the respondents to “recall and remove forthwith” all persons they brought into or enabled to enter the university on September 8.


The court also ordered the respondents to stay all actions connected with the subject matter of the application pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.


The judge granted the applicants leave to serve the first and second respondents with court processes through substituted means, specifically by serving them through the officers in charge of their respective legal departments at their headquarters in Abuja.

The court further held that the interim order would remain in force for seven days and consequently adjourned the substantive motion on notice to September 24, 2026, for hearing.


The order was issued at Awka under the seal of the court and the hand of the presiding judge on September 17, 2026.

 

Fidelis Nwakwesili 

Chief Press Secretary 

Tansian University  

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE CHANCELLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TANSIAN UNIVERSITY, VERY REV. FR. PROF. EDWIN S.C. OBIORAH, JSD, SAN, ON THE SUSTAINED ADMINISTRATIVE STABILITY OF TANSIAN UNIVERSITY AND REBUTTAL OF THE PURPORTED NUC DISSOLUTION RUMOURS.

Very Rev Fr. (Prof.) Edwin Obiorah
                        SAN

Gentlemen of the press, members of the academic community, and distinguished stakeholders of Tansian University.

 I address you today in my statutory capacity as the lawful, valid, and fully subsisting Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of this great institution.

We have been drawn to malicious, speculative, and completely unfounded narratives circulating in sections of the media regarding a "purported decision" by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to dissolve the Governing Council and Boards of Tansian University.

Let me state categorically, clearly, and without an iota of ambiguity: The regulatory organs, Governing Council, and Board of Trustees of Tansian University remain fully intact, completely functional, and legally unassailable. No such directive has been issued by the NUC.

 The university management is fully aware that these sensational reports are the handiwork of external detractors, disgruntled elements, and entities with undisclosed, selfish interests attempting to undermine the hard-earned stability and leadership of our institution.

Institutional Validity: The leadership architecture of Tansian University operates under rigid legal frameworks and institutional guidelines backed by the appropriate regulatory bodies. 

 The NUC is a regulatory body established by law to ensure academic quality, standards, and accreditation; it is not a court of law, a commercial proprietor, or an equity holder in private educational institutions. 

The National Universities Commission Act vests the Commission with powers to lay down minimum academic standards, accredit programmes, and advise the Federal Government on the establishment and financial needs of universities. Nowhere within the NUC Act is the Commission granted the statutory power to unilaterally dissolve, suspend, or reconstitute the Governing Council or Board of Trustees of a privately funded university.

Autonomy Guaranteed by the Education Act: Under the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act (Cap E3, LFN 2004), the power to manage, govern, and control the internal administrative organs of a private university resides strictly with its designated proprietors, Board of Trustees, and Council as set out in the university’s approved Law and Charter. 

The NUC’s regulatory intervention over private universities is bounded by academic compliance, not corporate expropriation.

Privatization of Property and the 1999 Constitution: A private university is a corporate entity registered under the relevant laws of Nigeria (including the Companies and Allied Matters Act). The constitution of its Governing Council is a matter of private law and internal corporate governance. Any unilateral dissolution of a private university's council by a regulatory body constitutes a direct infringement on the Right to Own Property and the Right to Fair Hearing guaranteed under Sections 43 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

Judicial Precedents on Regulatory Arbitrariness: Nigerian jurisprudence is clear that statutory regulators cannot exercise powers not expressly granted to them by their enabling legislation. The management relies firmly on established supreme court precedents affirming that an administrative body cannot override the domestic autonomy of a private institution or determine internal ownership disputes without a definitive order from a competent court of law.

NUC is strictly collaborative and compliant with the laws governing private tertiary education in Nigeria. The NUC is a regulatory body operating under the rule of law; it does not arbitrarily dissolve the governing structures of private universities over external, baseless agitations.

Malicious Distortions: The public is strongly urged to disregard the deliberate character assassination, distortions, and fake news intended to trigger panic among our students, parents, and partners.

Current Activities and Unbroken Academic Calendar: While the purveyors of falsehood continue their futile distractions, the Management of Tansian University has remained focused on its core mandate: academic excellence, moral rectitude, and infrastructural expansion.

Academic Progress: We are fully operating across our campuses at Umunya and Oba, ensuring that lectures, research, and administrative tasks proceed seamlessly without a single day of disruption.

Admissions Ongoing: The university has successfully opened its gates for the 2026/2027 academic session. Applications for Post-UTME and Direct Entry are being processed smoothly, showing the immense confidence the public still holds in our institution.

Legal Protections: As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), I assure all stakeholders that our legal team has taken appropriate actions to protect the institution’s sanctity from unlawful interference or defamatory publications.

A Call to the Public and Stakeholders of Tansian University was built on a vision of principled leadership and dedicated service. We will not allow the legacy of our foundation to be stained by desperate narratives. The management remains strong, united, and completely in control.

We urge parents, guardians, students, and the host communities to completely disregard these fake publications. 

We remain fully committed to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders under our undisputed and focused stewardship.

Thank you, and God bless you all.

Signed:Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Edwin S.C. Obiorah, JSD, (SAN).

FALSIFICATION OF CLAIMS REGARDING THE PURPORTED NUC DISSOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TANSIAN UNIVERSITY

 REBUTTAL:

The attention of the Management and Board of Trustees of Tansian University has been drawn to a malicious, false, and deeply misleading publication circulating in the media, alleging that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has dissolved the Governing Board of our institution.

We categorically state that this publication is completely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public, disrupt the academic peace of our community, and damage the reputation of our prestigious university.

We urge the general public to completely disregard these claims based on the following legal realities:

*Tansian University is an independent legal entity.*
*Tansian University is a fully recognized and autonomous legal person incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, as amended*

By law, the institution operates with its own distinct legal personality, capable of suing and being sued, owning property, and managing its internal governance.

The Hostile Claimants Lack Legal Standing
The underlying claim behind this misinformation stems from a group operating under the name “Missionary Servants of the Church.”

We wish to bring to the attention of the public that the Federal High Court in Abuja has already delivered a judgment in a case instituted by this very group.

The Court ruled that the “Missionary Servants of the Church” is not a legal entity and lacks the legal capacity to own or lay claim to a university.

Consequently, any narrative suggesting that this group has influenced an administrative action against the university’s leadership is legally untenable.

The publication is nothing more than a desperate fabrication of lies designed to cause confusion and undermine the reputation and stability of the university.

Tansian University remains fully operational, legally secure, and completely committed to its academic mission.

We advise the perpetrators of this misinformation to desist immediately, as the university will not hesitate to take all necessary legal action to protect its image, reputation, and integrity.

Signed:
Fidelis Nwakwesili
Chief Press Secretary
Tansian University

11th Continuing Education Programme (CEP) Celebration of 2026 Graduating Students of Tansian University.

The morning sun of 2026 broke through the palms of Oba, casting a golden glow over the crowded auditorium of Tansian University.

 For the gathered crowd, this was no ordinary academic gathering; it was the commencement of the 11th Continuing Education Programme, a definitive milestone for the graduating class.The air buzzed with a potent mix of nervous energy, shared laughter, and the rustle of ceremonial programmes.

 These students had spent years navigating late-night study sessions, rigorous exams, and the challenges of higher education. 

Now, standing on the precipice of the professional world, they were gathered one last time to absorb the final, crucial lessons that would transform them from eager learners into industry leaders.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere felt both nostalgic and forward-looking. Friends snapped photos to capture the fleeting moments of their university days, while professors looked on with a sense of pride and quiet expectation. The banners hanging from the stage served as a bold reminder of their collective achievement and the responsibilities that lay ahead.

 As the representative of the Acting Vice Chancellor took to the podium and the chatter faded into an expectant silence, everyone in the room understood that this programme was not just a formal requirement—it was the launching pad for the next chapter of their lives.

Speaking on the occassion,  the  Acting Vice Chancellor of the University Prof Nnamdi Umeoduagu who was represented by the Dean, Student Affairs, Professor Demejesi Amarachineke, expressed the commitment of the University Management to creating an enabling and conducive environment for teaching and learning to thrive.

The Vice Chancellor who charged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of their alma mater and to assist the University in her efforts to be designated as the best cidatel of learning in Nigeria, vowed that as a new Tansian University, there is zero tolerance for cultistm, social vices and examination malpractices; but not without beating his chest to attest that Tansian University  has produced quality graduates making waves all over the country and beyond.

Earlier in her address, the Director of CEP, Prof. Ifurueze Prisca, expressed delight that the ceremony was the reflection of the commitment of the graduating students, the dedication of the staff, the support of parents and the contribution of everyone that made the day possible. 

According to her, she was encouraged by the enthusiasm, creativity and determination  exhibited by the students  but not without admonishing them that education transcends the classroom and includes experiences, team work, leadership and social interaction, which she said, plays important role in shaping man, holistically. 

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Chimezie Adiele, who urged the graduating students to show good examples worthy  of their certification, expressed the need for them to deploy their learning experiences to liberate the society from its recent economic and political quagmire. 

The highlights of the occasion include presentation of awards and recognition to deserving students, cutting of the CEP celebration cake, fundraising for CEP, songs and dances.

Induction And Oath Taking Ceremony of Tansian University Nurses

 
One hundred and nine eager white uniforms filled the Tansian University  auditorium  of the Oba campus, as a new generation  of nurses took their professional oath.

The air hummed with quiet emotion and anticipation on this landmark induction day.

For those 109 graduates, the long night of studying human Anatomy, endless clinical rotations and grueling practical examinations  had finally culminated in a single defining moment of being inducted into the Nursing  and Midwifery  Council of Nigeria  (NMCN), under the inspiring theme "Our Nurses, Our Future, Empowered Nurses Save Lives."

Speaking on the occasion, the Registrar and Chief Ececutive Officer, Nursing and Midwifery  Council of Nigeria,  Alhaji Ndagi Al- Hassan, who was represented by the Head of Department of Planning, Research and Statistics of the Council , Mr. Aliu Adamu observed the evolving technological advancement in the field of Nursing, globally and expressed the importance of producing Nurses that are well equipped with the requisite knowledge,  clinical skill and professional intelligence to showcase in the professional healthcare system in the country. 

Alhaji Hassan also advocated for the integration of Artificial Intelligence in the transformation of Nursing education in Nigeria, while congratulating the graduates for painstakingly  going through the rigorous  but blissful future of Nursing profession in the world.

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Tansian University, Prof. (Hon) Carter N.D. Umeoduagu, in his remarks, admonished the inductees to be good ambassadors of the University and always exhibit  high sense of professional conduct wherever they find themselves.

The  Chairperson on the occasion, Professor  Stella Okunna, who congratulated the graduates and their parents for the academic exploits and support, charged them to always be proud of their alma mater and be of good  conduct. 

The Keynote speaker on the occasion,  Associate Professor Peace Iheanacho Njideka, described the theme of the induction as apt and observed the pivoral role Nurses play in the healthcare system of the country, for according to her,  "Nurses are the first and last lines of defence and the heartbeat of healthcare system, globally."

However, the Associate Professor,  expressed dismay at the poor motivation of Nurses despite their enormous  contributions in the healthcare sector, and advised that their impact will be fully felt if they are adequately empowered.; noting that the theme of the induction purposes on making the possible changes needed to harvest the power of Nursing workforce.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Department of Nursing  Science, Tansian University,  Associate Professor  Chukwudi Afam Ndu, who saw the induction as a culmination of years of academic study, clinical training, discipline, sacrifice and perseverance,  reminded the graduates that as they take their professional oath, they should be mindful that Nursing is a commitment to humanity and a call to care for people with compassion, competence,  dignity, integrity and respect.

The high points of the occasion were the administration of oath to the inductees, presentation of awards to the best graduating student,  best student leadership, best behaved student, best in research,  as well as other awards. 

A cross section of principal officers of Tansian Universty and a representative of Igwe Okpoko of Oba, graced the occasion