The ongoing battle for control of Tansian University, located in Umunya, Anambra State, has taken a dramatic and controversial turn, as Senator Dr. Victor Umeh was disgracefully ousted as the institution’s Chancellor, with Rev. Fr. Edwin Obiorah seizing control in a palace coup.
This latest twist in the university’s bitter power struggle highlights the deep fractures within the institution and the fierce battle for influence that has embroiled it for years.
The roots of the chaos plaguing Tansian University can be traced back to the sudden and untimely death of its founder and first Chancellor, Very Rev. Monsignor Prof. John Bosco Akam, four years ago. His passing marked the beginning of a series of tumultuous events, leaving the university struggling with ownership disputes, financial instability, administrative confusion, and deteriorating relationships within its management. Since then, the university has witnessed a shocking turnover in leadership, with three Pro-Chancellors and two Chancellors taking the helm—each tenure marked by internal conflict and upheaval.
The institution’s internal battles over governance and ownership have been further complicated by a lingering legal fight regarding Monsignor Akam’s will, the validity of its terms, and the succession of leadership. For a university that was once seen as a beacon of educational excellence in Anambra State, the ongoing crises have left its future in jeopardy.
A Never-Ending Cycle:
In the years following Monsignor Akam’s death, Tansian University has endured significant instability at the top. The university has cycled through no fewer than three Pro-Chancellors, beginning with Prof. Godwin Akam, followed by Prof. Nkechi Theresa Obiekezie, and now Prof. Ellis Idemobi—all of whom were removed unceremoniously. This revolving door of leadership has severely hampered the institution’s ability to function coherently, leaving faculty, staff, and students to contend with a lack of direction and a profound sense of insecurity.
The Chancellor’s position has similarly been a point of contention. Cardinal Peter Okparanke, who succeeded Monsignor Akam, was replaced by Senator Dr. Victor Umeh in 2024. Yet, despite the high profile of Umeh, a Nigerian senator and prominent political figure, his tenure was short-lived and marked by conflict and upheaval, culminating in his disgraceful sacking. Now, Rev. Fr. Edwin Obiorah, the university’s legal adviser and secretary, has taken control of the institution’s affairs, an action that has not only angered many within the academic community but has raised serious concerns about governance and accountability.
The transition from Cardinal Okparanke to Senator Umeh was supposed to signal a fresh chapter for the university, one with political clout, strategic influence, and a promise to stabilize the institution.
However, Umeh’s tenure proved to be as chaotic as the one that preceded it. What transpired during his time at Tansian University serves as a cautionary tale of how the lust for power can overshadow the core values of governance, ethics, and educational excellence.
Rev. Fr. Edwin Obiorah: Rise of a Shadow Leader:
What has caused further alarm among university stakeholders is how Rev. Fr. Edwin Obiorah has assumed near-total control over the affairs of Tansian University. A priest and lawyer, Obiorah was hired as the university’s secretary in 2018 under Monsignor Akam’s leadership. However, over time, he has increasingly exerted influence beyond his official role, undermining both the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor in the process.
It has been reported that even in his capacity as the university secretary, Obiorah’s decisions frequently overrode those of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, and Vice-Chancellor. His growing influence and apparent disregard for the university’s established governance structure became a flashpoint in the internal power struggle. Now, Obiorah has gone a step further, assuming the titles of Chancellor, Chairman of the Board, and Secretary—all powerful positions that afford him unprecedented control over the university’s finances, governance, and day-to-day operations.
This concentration of power in the hands of a single individual has alarmed many within the university and beyond, prompting concerns over the institution’s ability to function properly and maintain academic integrity. With the National Universities Commission (NUC) raising its concerns over the university’s governance practices, questions are now being asked about the legality of Obiorah’s actions and the long-term viability of the institution under his rule.
NUC’s Alarm Over Governance and Management:
The National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory body for higher education in Nigeria, has expressed deep concerns about the ongoing crisis at Tansian University. In a recent meeting attended by top NUC officials, including Dr. Biodun Salihu, Deputy Executive Secretary for Academics, and several other top officials of the NUC, the state of Tansian University was harshly criticized.
Dr Salihu, speaking at the meeting, pointed to the university’s poor governance, lack of adherence to regulatory standards, and failure to maintain peace within its internal structure. He highlighted the concerning fact that the university had been operating without a proper Board of Trustees and had allowed significant breaches of the NUC’s governance code for private universities.
The NUC’s investigation revealed that the university was struggling with a series of governance issues, including a lack of regular meetings, unauthorized appointments, and the concentration of power in the hands of Obiorah. The NUC has also raised the alarm over the university’s financial management, noting that revenues were being paid into church accounts, with neither the Vice-Chancellor nor the Bursar having signatory authority over university accounts—a blatant violation of standard financial practices for universities.
In response to these concerns, Dr Salihu warned that Tansian University’s license could be at risk if these issues were not addressed promptly. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that universities adhere to proper governance practices and regulatory standards, noting that a failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for the institution and its stakeholders.
The Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia’s Role—A Web of Complicated Alliances:
Another source of tension at Tansian University is the ongoing battle for ownership, which has been further complicated by legal disputes. There have been multiple petitions regarding the university’s governance, with some pointing to a lack of clarity in the institution’s ownership structure. The tussle over ownership between the Missionary Servants of the Church (MST), Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, and the Diocese of Ekwulobia has only intensified in recent years, with the issue now being litigated in the courts.
The university’s governance structure has been further muddied by the creation of Tansian University Limited, a company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). According to the NUC’s investigation, there is no evidence that the alterations to the registration were submitted to the NUC for approval, which raises questions about the legality of the university’s incorporation as a limited company.
Moreover, there are growing concerns about the role of the Board of Directors in the management of the university. Despite the NUC’s clear guidelines on governance, the Board of Directors has been found to make decisions without regard to the Board of Trustees, undermining the very foundation of the university’s governance structure.
Fractured Allegiances and the Fall of Prof. Nkechi Theresa Obiekezie:
At the heart of the crisis is the struggle for control between powerful individuals and factions within Tansian University. The power struggle between Rev. Fr. Obiorah and other members of the university’s administration has created a toxic environment, with accusations of corruption, mismanagement, and betrayal flying in all directions.
Senator Dr Victor Umeh, who was appointed Chancellor in 2024, spoke candidly about his experience at the university, revealing that his tenure was marked by internal conflict and a lack of cooperation from key figures within the administration. According to Umeh, he was blindsided by the level of disorder he encountered after his installation, with decisions being made without proper consultation or regard for the university’s established governance structures.
Umeh also revealed that the university had been operating under highly questionable conditions, with Rev. Fr. Obiorah making unilateral decisions without the approval of the Board of Trustees. Despite his initial hopes of improving the university’s situation, Umeh found himself at odds with Obiorah and other key figures in the administration. His eventual removal as Chancellor came as no surprise to those familiar with the internal power dynamics at play.
In a letter he penned after his dismissal, Umeh expressed his dismay at the way things had been handled, criticizing the lack of respect for due process and the utter disregard for the university’s governance standards. He also made it clear that he would be stepping back from his involvement with Tansian University, as he could no longer support an institution that operated under such chaotic and unethical conditions.
Resignation of Cardinal Okpaleke—A Sign of Unrest:
As the university crisis continued to escalate, it became clear that the leadership of Cardinal Okpaleke, the Bishop of Ekwulobia, was now in question. As Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo shared, the Cardinal’s involvement was never intended to be one of direct control but rather one of guidance and preservation of Monsignor Akam’s legacy.
However, as tensions flared within the university’s administration, the Cardinal found himself embroiled in a complex web of power struggles. During a critical meeting of the Board of Directors, Cardinal Okpaleke reportedly resigned, unable to continue his involvement due to the increasingly fraught situation. The resignation was a reflection of the deep moral and ethical dilemmas the Cardinal faced, particularly with regard to the removal of the Pro-Chancellor.
In a poignant statement, Fr. Nwankwo remarked that the Cardinal’s resignation came after a difficult meeting in which he had to choose between following the directives of the Board or maintaining his ethical integrity. “I cannot, in conscience, remove somebody without giving them a fair hearing,” he said, explaining the Cardinal’s reluctance to back the decision to oust Obiekezie.
The Road Ahead:
As the battle for control of Tansian University rages on, its future remains uncertain. The university is caught in a web of legal disputes, governance failures, and financial mismanagement, all of which threaten to derail its progress and tarnish its reputation. The ongoing conflict within the administration has left faculty, staff, and students in limbo, unsure of what the future holds for the institution.
What is clear, however, is that Tansian University is at a crossroads. The NUC’s intervention, though necessary, may not be enough to resolve the deep-seated issues plaguing the university. Unless significant changes are made, both at the leadership level and within the institution’s governance structure, the future of Tansian University remains in jeopardy.
For now, the university will continue to grapple with internal power struggles, legal disputes, and an uncertain future. But one thing is certain: the battle for control of Tansian University is far from over, and its outcome will have lasting implications for the institution and the academic community in Anambra State.
As Rev. Fr. Edwin Obiorah continues to consolidate his power and push forward with his vision for the university, the question remains: will Tansian University ever be able to overcome its internal strife and reclaim its place as a beacon of academic excellence? Only time will tell.
The saga of Tansian University is far from over. As the power struggle deepens and the stakes continue to rise, the institution stands on the precipice of either redemption or total collapse. It is a stark reminder of how internal conflicts and unchecked ambition can overshadow the noble mission of education and leadership.
The coming months will determine whether Tansian University can overcome the tumult and emerge stronger, or if it will continue to spiral into chaos, dragging its reputation—and its future—down with it. The next chapter of this battle promises to be just as dramatic and unpredictable as the ones that came before it.
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