Probe begins as professor dies hours after becoming substantive varsity VC

The Vice-Chancellor of Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, Professor Nnamdi Umeoduagu, has died hours after his inauguration as the substantive head of the private university.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, Umeoduagu was sworn in on Friday, October 2, but died suddenly the following day. The university’s Chief Press Secretary, Fidelis Nwakwesili, confirmed the development.

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

The university said Umeoduagu had earlier served as acting vice-chancellor for about two months after his predecessor, Eugene Nwadialor, proceeded on medical leave.

Meanwhile, the university has constituted a five-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Umeoduagu’s death. The committee has been given 48 hours to submit its action plan, including reviewing the forthcoming autopsy report.

The university’s Chancellor, E.S.C. Obiorah, said, “The result of the autopsy will definitely reveal the true cause of his death.”

Management also announced a two-week mourning period, during which academic activities have been suspended and the university flag lowered in his honour.