Control Taken as Vice Chancellor Leads New Order – THISDAYLIVE

A leadership crisis at Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, recently entered a decisive phase following the issuance of a public notice by the university management announcing key administrative standards within the institution’s leadership structure. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

The leadership crisis at Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, recently entered a decisive phase. The crisis was ameliorated following the issuance of a public notice by the university management announcing key administrative standards within the institution’s leadership structure. 

The notice clears the air about the leadership structure and governance of the great citadel of learning. Central to the development was the action taken under the leadership of Prof. Eugene O. Nwadialor, Vice Chancellor of Tansian University, through an official public notice that conveyed the removal of Rev. Daniel Igwilo from the university’s leadership structure an action widely seen as establishing control of the institution’s administrative framework by the institution’s management.

When Tansian University (TANU) was founded in 2007 as a private Christian institution in Umunya, Anambra State, Nigeria, by Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. John Bosco Akam, its aim was to provide higher education anchored on discipline, moral values, and academic excellence.

From its inception, the institution positioned itself as a faith-based center of learning dedicated to holistic education, ethical character formation, and intellectual development, reflecting the missionary ideals of its founders.

The leadership laid the foundation for a university structured around discipline, integrity, and service. Thus, over the years, Tansian University developed its academic programs and administrative structures in line with its founding vision.

The institution became known within its host community and beyond as a private university guided by Christian principles and a commitment to responsible education.

Leadership Crisis

However, despite its foundational ideals, the university later became associated with a series of disputes involving leadership, administration, and governance.

Tansian University, according to available reports covering 2025 and 2026, has been associated with a significant and long-standing leadership tussle, primarily revolving around leadership crises, ownership disputes, and allegations of financial and administrative misconduct.

The reports indicate that the crisis involved allegations of forged documents, illegal appointments, and legal battles concerning the university’s property and leadership structure.

The situation became more visible to the public through official communications issued by the university authorities and the Board of Trustees.

Taking Control of the Leadership Structure

After months of controversy, structure has been reinstated at the university. According to a public notice document sighted by THISDAY, the management of Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, issued a notice under the authority of the Office of the Vice Chancellor addressing the status of Rev. Daniel Igwilo, described in the document as the former Registrar of Tansian University.

According to the public notice, signed by Prof. Eugene O. Nwadialor, Vice Chancellor, and Rev. Dr. Innocent Anthony Uke, Registrar and Secretary to Council, Rev. Daniel Igwilo ceased to hold the office of Registrar effective 3rd June 2025.

The university stated that his removal followed findings of alleged gross misconduct and misappropriation of funds, which were described as violations of the university’s rules, ethical standards, and principles of integrity.

The document further stated that a substantive Registrar was duly appointed with effect from the same date. It also disclosed that Rev. Daniel Igwilo’s appointment as a staff member of Tansian University was terminated on 10th April 2026.

The notice clearly stated that the university dissociated itself from any actions, representations, or transactions undertaken by Rev. Daniel Igwilo in any capacity purporting to be on behalf of the institution from 3rd June 2025 onward.

Members of the public were advised to refrain from engaging with Rev. Daniel Igwilo on any matters relating to the university. 

The document also warned that any individual, organisation, or institution dealing with him under the guise of representing the university would do so entirely at their own risk and that the university would not be held liable for any resulting loss or consequences.

The notice concluded by affirming that Tansian University remained committed to maintaining standards of excellence, accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity.

The Rebuttal

However, another document sighted by THISDAY, titled “Rebuttal to Misleading Publication on the Leadership of Tansian University,” reportedly signed by Prof. Ozokwere Helen Nkechi, JP, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, distanced the Board from the publication, which it said maligned the reputation of Very Rev. Fr. Prof Edwin SC Obiorah JSD SAN.

Stating that the leadership of Tansian University was not in dispute in any form whatsoever, the Board affirmed that it recognises Very Rev. Fr. Prof Obiorah SAN as the duly recognised, legitimate, and lawful Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Tansian University.

According to the statement, his position remains valid, subsisting, and fully backed by the appropriate institutional and legal frameworks governing the university.

The statement described the allegations as “unsubstantiated and characterised by mischief, distortion, and deliberate character assassination.”

It added that the claims failed to meet basic standards of credibility and should be disregarded.

Charting the Path Forward

Despite the tensions that have defined recent developments, stakeholders within and around Tansian University continue to express hope that the institution will move beyond the current challenges and refocus on its founding ideals of discipline, academic excellence, and moral formation.

With structures now being clarified through official communications, attention is increasingly turning toward stability and uninterrupted pursuit of learning for students and staff.

For many within the university community, the path forward lies in strengthening governance, restoring confidence, and preserving the mission upon which the institution was established.

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Despite the tensions that have defined recent developments, stakeholders within and around Tansian University continue to express hope that the institution will move beyond the current challenges and refocus on its founding ideals of discipline, academic excellence, and moral formation