Tansian University Management Dismisses ‘Palace Coup’ Claim, Challenges Former VC to Produce Tenure Extension

 

University says Nwadialor’s tenure expired September 30; insists leadership transition followed due process

UMUNYA, Anambra State — The Management of Tansian University has dismissed as unfounded the claim by its former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eugene Okoye Nwadialor, that his exit from office was the result of a “palace coup,” insisting that the leadership transition followed established institutional procedures and the expiration of his tenure.

In a strongly worded response to the former Vice-Chancellor’s allegations, the university said Nwadialor’s original five-year appointment commenced in May 2019 and was subsequently extended only until September 30, 2026.

Management specifically challenged the former Vice-Chancellor to produce the alleged letter and Governing Council resolution purportedly extending his tenure for another five years to 2030.

The university said its governance is anchored on formal instruments, resolutions and decisions of its competent organs, stressing that no claim of a further tenure extension could be sustained without documentary evidence.

“In the absence of any valid documentary evidence establishing a further five-year tenure, there is no basis whatsoever for the assertion that the former Vice-Chancellor’s tenure extended to May 2030,” the university stated.

Handover was necessary to avert administrative vacuum

Management also rejected the former Vice-Chancellor’s account of his absence from the university, saying the records showed that Nwadialor formally handed over the administration of the institution to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Dike Nnamdi Umeoduagu, effective July 20, 2026, before travelling abroad for medical treatment.

The university noted that Nwadialor subsequently acknowledged returning to Nigeria on September 22, 2026, meaning that his absence lasted more than eight weeks.

Management said the formal handover was necessary to ensure the uninterrupted administration of the university, particularly given the need to sustain academic programmes, examinations, financial operations, accreditation processes and other critical institutional activities.

It therefore described the suggestion that Umeoduagu’s assumption of administrative responsibilities constituted a “palace coup” as misleading.

According to the university, the development was an administrative necessity arising from the Vice-Chancellor’s prolonged absence and was carried out within the institution’s established governance framework.

University raises questions over 2019 appointment

The Management also drew attention to the circumstances surrounding Nwadialor’s appointment in 2019, noting that he was 78 years old at the time and is now 85.

It said the relevant rules governing appointments, tenure and retirement within the university system would need to be considered in assessing the circumstances surrounding his appointment and subsequent tenure.

The university stressed, however, that its position on the leadership transition was primarily based on the applicable institutional decisions and the expiration of the former Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.

Medical treatment respected, but administration had to continue

On Nwadialor’s medical absence, Management said it fully respected his right to seek medical treatment but maintained that the prolonged period away from the university made it imperative for administrative responsibilities to be formally transferred.

The university further disclosed that Nwadialor was granted terminal leave by the Governing Council up to the end of his tenure on September 30, 2026.

Following the expiration of his tenure, Prof. Dike Nnamdi Umeoduagu was appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor.

Management also stated that the former Vice-Chancellor had received his applicable terminal benefits, including a take-home vehicle, severance benefits and payment in lieu of accumulated leave.

University alleges incident involving armed men

In another serious allegation, the university claimed that Nwadialor, upon his return to the institution, arrived on the university premises accompanied by unidentified armed men who allegedly arrested members of the university’s security personnel and took them to an unknown destination.

Management called on the appropriate security authorities to investigate the allegation and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The university said it remained committed to cooperating with any competent authority that may wish to examine its records or investigate the circumstances surrounding the transition.

‘No palace coup, no unlawful seizure of power’

Tansian University Management reiterated that the change in leadership was not an unlawful seizure of power but a transition undertaken through the institution’s established governance structures.

It maintained that the Governing Council and other competent organs of the university acted within their respective mandates to ensure continuity, stability and uninterrupted academic administration.

“The transition was not a palace coup. It was the outcome of institutional decisions taken within the framework of the university’s governing instruments and the expiration of the former Vice-Chancellor’s tenure,” Management said.

The university urged members of the public, staff, students, parents and other stakeholders to disregard narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension or undermining confidence in the institution.

It reaffirmed its commitment to peace, institutional stability, academic excellence, due process and the rule of law.

Signed:
Fidelis Nwakwesili
Chief Press Secretary
Tansian University