University VC passes away shortly after taking office

Nnamdi Umeoduagu, the vice-chancellor of Tansian University in Umunya, Anambra State, has died just hours after being officially sworn in as the vice-chancellor of the private university.

Reports say that Professor Umeoduagu died on Saturday, October 3, just one day after his inauguration on Friday, October 2.

Fidelis Nwakwesili, the university’s Chief Press Secretary, confirmed his death to the press on Tuesday.

“He (Mr Umeoduagu) was sworn in as substantive vice-chancellor on Friday, then on Saturday, he died,” Mr Nwakwesili stated.

In a statement released on Monday, the chief press secretary clarified that claims saying 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 allowed to act as vice-chancellor before his recent appointment as the official vice-chancellor of the institution.

“He subsequently served in an acting capacity for about two months, starting from when the previous vice-chancellor (Eugene Nwadialor) went on medical leave until the end of the substantive vice-chancellor’s tenure on September 30, 2026.

“His (Mr Umeoduagu’s) taking office (as acting vice-chancellor) was not a sudden event of just two days,” he said in the statement.

He added that the clarification was important “to properly acknowledge the period of service and sacrifice rendered by Prof Umeoduagu during a critical time for the university.”

Investigation into vice-chancellor’s death

In another statement sent to the press on Tuesday, Mr Nwakwesili announced that the university management has set up a five-member committee to investigate the cause of Mr Umeoduagu’s death.

He said the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, E.S.C. Obiorah, made this announcement during a board meeting on Monday.

“The committee has been given 48 hours to submit its plan, which includes the university's role in the funeral arrangements and looking at the upcoming autopsy report,” he said.

Mr Obiorah, a Catholic priest and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, praised the late vice-chancellor’s “brief but impactful administration” and announced plans to build a memorial in his honor.

He described the late Umeoduagu as a “hero and a fine scholar,” and mentioned that negligence might have contributed to the circumstances leading to his death.

“The autopsy results will surely reveal the true cause of his death,” Mr Obiorah was quoted as saying in the statement.

The chancellor also thanked the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Ellis Idemobi, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Security), Anthony Ngonadi, for their quick response in taking the late vice-chancellor’s body to the morgue.

Mr Idemobi, a professor, mentioned that other factors could have played a role in the sudden death, and he is hopeful that medical tests will “unravel the mystery” behind it.

The university’s Bursar, Valentine Ikeanyionwu, expressed his shock over the tragedy, which happened right after a management meeting, calling late Umeoduagu a “field marshal” who worked hard for the growth of the university.

After the board meeting, Mr Idemobi led a delegation from the university to visit the family of the deceased.

“Professor Umeoduagu was an outstanding scholar and a visionary leader who guided this institution through tough times with unwavering commitment,” Mr Idemobi said during the visit, offering prayers for the family to cope with the loss.

Two-week mourning period

Mr Nwakwesili mentioned in the statement that the university management has announced a two-week mourning period in honor of the late vice-chancellor.

He said academic activities have been postponed as part of the mourning and to pay respect to the late university leader.

“The university flag will also be lowered for the entire mourning period as a sign of respect for the late academic,” he said.

The chief press secretary called on Nigerians and the media to respect the privacy and dignity of the bereaved family and the university community.