TANSIAN UNIVERSITY DISMISSES SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIMS OF ILLEGAL INCORPORATION, DEFENDS CAC REGISTRATION STATUS
By Oriental Africa News Room
Management describes reports linking Anambra State Government and NUC to alleged illegality of Fr. Obiorah's company as misleading, insists its incorporation followed the applicable CAC process.
UMUNYA, ANAMBRA STATE – November 8, 2026
The management of Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, has dismissed as misleading a social media publication alleging that the Anambra State Government had aligned with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to declare a company associated with the university's Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. E.S.C. Obiorah, illegal.
In an official clarification dated November 7, 2026, and addressed to the university community, the Registrar, Rev. Dr. Innocent Anthony Uke, described the allegation as unfounded, insisting that no government agency was identified as the source of the purported declaration.
The Registrar maintained that the university had no reason to accept the claim as presented, describing the alleged position of the Anambra State Government as a product of speculation rather than an established government decision.
The statement, issued from the Office of the Registrar, also sought to explain the legal framework governing the incorporation of private universities in Nigeria, particularly the role of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
UNIVERSITY EXPLAINS LEGAL BASIS FOR PRIVATE UNIVERSITY INCORPORATION
According to the clarification, Nigerian universities operate under different legal frameworks depending on their ownership and establishment.
While federal and state universities derive their legal existence from legislative enactments, the Registrar explained that private universities acquire legal corporate status through registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
He identified three principal forms of incorporation under the applicable framework: Company Limited by Guarantee, Company Limited by Shares and Incorporated Trustees.
The statement particularly highlighted Section 26 of CAMA 2020, which provides for the registration of companies established to promote education and whose income is applied solely towards their objectives as companies limited by guarantee.
The Registrar argued that this form of incorporation is particularly suitable for educational institutions because it does not provide for the sharing of profits among directors, with resources instead committed to the institution's objectives.
However, the clarification also acknowledged that other forms of incorporation may be applicable, depending on the operational and financial structure of the institution.
TANSIAN UNIVERSITY LISTED AMONG INSTITUTIONS REGISTERED AS LTD/GTE
In support of its position, the university provided a list of private universities and other educational institutions which, according to the Registrar, are registered with the CAC as Companies Limited by Guarantee.
Tansian University was listed among the institutions, with the document indicating that it was licensed as a private university in 2007 and registered with the CAC as a Company Limited by Guarantee on February 16, 2022.The university's registration number was given as RC 1894509.
Other institutions mentioned in the list include Babcock University, Madonna University, Afe Babalola University, Veritas University, Covenant University, Landmark University, Benson Idahosa University, Gregory University and several others.
The Registrar stated that the list demonstrated that registration as a Company Limited by Guarantee was not peculiar to Tansian University but was also adopted by several private universities across the country.
UNIVERSITY QUESTIONS INTERPRETATION OF NUC'S POSITION
The clarification further addressed the reported position of the National Universities Commission concerning the procedures for registering private universities.
According to the Registrar, the NUC had expressed uncertainty about certain registration procedures, including the possibility of not issuing a letter of no objection to the CAC.
He, however, argued that once the Corporate Affairs Commission completes the registration process and issues a certificate of incorporation, the validity of that registration should not be casually questioned.
The Registrar maintained that the CAC, as a federal agency, has statutory responsibility for corporate registration and that its issuance of a certificate represents the completion of the registration process from the Commission's perspective.
He further argued that any challenge to the validity of a completed incorporation should be pursued through the appropriate legal process.
CALL FOR PEACE AND UNITY
Beyond the legal clarification, the Registrar appealed to members of the university community and the general public to disregard what he described as distracting publications capable of undermining the institution's peace, unity and progress.
He urged those expressing concerns about the university's affairs to channel their energies towards constructive engagement and the development of the institution.
"If they use the same energy with which they run down Tansian University to make peace, promote unity, and progress of Tansian University, I can assure you the world will praise their efforts," the Registrar stated.
He reaffirmed the university's commitment to its continued development and encouraged staff, students and other stakeholders to remain focused on their
The document was signed by Rev. Dr. Innocent Uke, Registrar and Secretary to Council, Tansian University.
Editorial
The recent attempt to discredit Tansian University over its corporate registration reveals a deeper societal struggle between factual administrative records and the volatile nature of social media speculation. By swiftly addressing the misleading reports that alleged a joint effort by the Anambra State Government and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to declare its Chancellor's company illegal, the university's management has firmly anchored its defense in statutory reality. Registration as a Company Limited by Guarantee under Section 26 of CAMA 2020 is a standard, legally sound framework utilized by numerous reputable private universities across Nigeria to ensure resources are dedicated strictly to educational advancements rather than private profit. Once a federal agency like the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) issues a certificate of incorporation, its legal validity cannot be casually undone by online rumors. Ultimately, this incident highlights the necessity for legal matters to be handled through proper judicial channels rather than public smear campaigns, serving as a reminder to stakeholders that the institution’s stability relies on constructive dialogue and unity rather than distracting, unverified narratives
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