The Management of Tansian University has rejected claims by its former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eugene Okoye Nwadialor, that his removal from office amounted to a “palace coup”, insisting that the transition was based on institutional decisions and the expiration of his extended tenure.
In a statement responding to Nwadialor’s allegations, the university said his original five-year appointment, which began in May 2019, was subsequently extended only until September 30, 2026, and not renewed for another five years to 2030, as he reportedly claimed.
The university’s response was conveyed to our correspondent by the institution’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Fidelis Nwakwesili.
The management challenged Nwadialor to produce the alleged renewal letter and relevant Governing Council resolution if he maintained that his tenure had been validly extended to 2030.
It said the university was governed by formal instruments and decisions of its competent organs, arguing that, in the absence of documentary evidence establishing a further five-year tenure, there was no basis for the claim that Nwadialor’s tenure extended to May 2030.
The university also disputed the former Vice-Chancellor’s account of his absence from the institution.
According to the management, Nwadialor formally handed over the administration of the university to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Dike Nnamdi Umeoduagu, effective July 20, 2026, before travelling abroad for medical treatment.
It said Nwadialor subsequently acknowledged returning to Nigeria on September 22, meaning that his absence lasted more than eight weeks, rather than approximately four weeks as stated in his publication.
Management said the handover was necessary to prevent an administrative vacuum, stressing that academic programmes, examinations, finances, accreditation and other university activities could not be suspended because the Vice-Chancellor was unavailable.
It therefore rejected the description of Umeoduagu’s assumption of administrative responsibilities as a “palace coup”, arguing that the process was connected to institutional continuity and the exercise of authority under the university’s governing framework.
On communication concerning the end of his tenure, the university said the central issue was not merely whether Nwadialor received a particular letter, but whether he possessed a valid appointment authorising him to remain Vice-Chancellor beyond September 30, 2026.
It further raised questions about the circumstances of his appointment in 2019, noting that he was 78 years old at the time and contending that the applicable rules governing university appointments and retirement age required examination.
The management also addressed Nwadialor’s medical absence, saying it respected his right to seek medical treatment but maintained that his prolonged absence necessitated the formal handover of administrative duties.
While the statement referred to reported health-related difficulties, it acknowledged that specific medical conditions should properly be addressed through confidential medical and institutional records rather than public speculation.
On his departure and the emergence of Umeoduagu as Acting Vice-Chancellor, the university said Nwadialor had been granted terminal leave by the Governing Council until the end of his tenure on September 30, 2026, after which Umeoduagu was appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Management also stated that Nwadialor had received his applicable terminal benefits, including a take-home vehicle, severance benefits and payment in lieu of accumulated leave.
It further alleged that, upon his return, Nwadialor arrived at the university premises accompanied by unidentified armed men who allegedly arrested security personnel and took them to an unknown destination, urging the appropriate security authorities to investigate the matter.
The university maintained that the disputed transition resulted from decisions of its established governance structures and not an unlawful seizure of power.
It reiterated that Nwadialor’s extended tenure ended on September 30, 2026, while challenging him to produce any document establishing a further renewal to 2030.
Management said the university would cooperate with any competent authority seeking to examine the relevant records, stressing its commitment to peace, institutional stability, academic excellence and the rule of law.
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