Professor dies hours after swearing-in as substantive university VC
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Nnamdi Umeoduagu, the vice-chancellor of Tansian University, Umunya in Anambra State, has been confirmed dead hours after his inauguration as the substantive vice-chancellor of the private university.
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PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr Umeoduagu, a professor, suddenly died on Saturday 3 October after his inauguration as the substantive vice-chancellor of the university on Friday 2 October.
The university’s Chief Press Secretary, Fidelis Nwakwesili, confirmed this to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday.
“He (Mr Umeoduagu) was sworn in as substantive vice-chancellor on Friday, then on Saturday, he died,” Mr Nwakwesili confirmed.
In a statement on Monday, the chief press secretary, however, clarified that reports suggesting the late professor served as acting vice-chancellor for only two days before his death “did not accurately reflect the facts.”
He explained that Mr Umeoduagu had been formally authorised to act as vice-chancellor before his recent appointment as substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.
“He subsequently served in an acting capacity for approximately two months, beginning from the period when the substantive vice-chancellor (Eugene Nwadialor) proceeded on medical leave until the expiration of the substantive vice-chancellor’s tenure on 30 September, 2026.
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“His (Mr Umeoduagu’s) assumption of office (as acting vice-chancellor) was therefore not a sudden development of merely two days,” he said in the statement.
He said the clarification was necessary “to properly acknowledge the period of service and sacrifice rendered by Prof Umeoduagu during a critical period in the life of the university.”
Vice-chancellor’s sudden death under probe
In a separate statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, Mr Nwakwesili said the management of the university has established a five-member investigative committee to determine the cause of Mr Umeoduagu’s death.
He said the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the university, E.S.C. Obiorah made the announcement during a board meeting on Monday.
“The committee has been given a 48-hour mandate to submit its action plan, which includes defining the university’s involvement in the funeral arrangements and reviewing the upcoming autopsy report,” he said.
The chief press secretary said Mr Obiorah, a Catholic priest and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while addressing the board, praised the late vice-chancellor’s “brief but impactful administration” before announcing plans to erect a memorial in his honour.
Describing the late Umeoduagu as a “hero and a fine scholar,” the chancellor noted that while the professor fought bravely for the institution, negligence might have played a role in the circumstances surrounding his death.
“The result of the autopsy will definitely reveal the true cause of his death,” Mr Obiorah was quoted as saying in the statement.
The chancellor, according to the statement, thanked the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Ellis Idemobi, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Security), Anthony Ngonadi, for their swift action in conveying the late vice-chancellor’s remains to the morgue.
Mr Idemobi, a professor, also pointed to external variables contributing to the sudden demise, stating that he remains optimistic that medical examinations will “unravel the mystery” behind the death.
Also speaking, the university’s Bursar, Valentine Ikeanyionwu, expressed profound shock over the tragedy, which occurred shortly after a management meeting, describing late Umeoduagu as a “field marshal” who championed the growth of the institution.
After the board meeting, Mr Idemobi led the university delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased official.
“Professor Umeoduagu was an outstanding scholar and a visionary leader who guided this institution through critical times with unwavering commitment,” Mr Idemobi said during the visit, offering prayers for the family to bear the irreparable loss.
Two-week mourning
Mr Nwakwesili said in the statement that the university management has announced a two-week period of mourning in honour of the deceased vice-chancellor.
He said the university management had postponed academic activities as part of measures to mourn and honour the late university leader.
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“The university flag will also be lowered throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the late academic,” he said.
The chief press secretary said the university management has appealed to Nigerians and the media to respect the privacy and dignity of the bereaved family and the university community.
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