Professor Nnamdi Dike Umeoduagu, Vice-Chancellor of Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, has died a day after he was formally inaugurated as the substantive head of the private institution.

Umeoduagu was sworn in on Friday, October 2, 2026, and died on Saturday, October 3, according to the university’s Chief Press Secretary, Fidelis Nwakwesili. The circumstances surrounding his sudden death have not been publicly established.

Following the development, the university has constituted a five-member investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the professor’s death. The committee was announced by the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, E.S.C. Obiorah, during a board meeting.

The university said the committee would review the forthcoming autopsy report as part of its assignment. Obiorah was quoted as saying the autopsy would help establish the actual cause of the professor’s death, while other university officials also expressed shock over the development.

The institution has also clarified reports suggesting that Umeoduagu only became acting vice-chancellor two days before his death. According to the university, he had been formally authorised to act as vice-chancellor for approximately two months after the substantive vice-chancellor, Eugene Nwadialor, proceeded on medical leave.

The university explained that Umeoduagu continued in the acting capacity until Nwadialor’s tenure expired on September 30, after which he was formally inaugurated as substantive vice-chancellor on October 2. The clarification was issued to correct what the institution described as an inaccurate account of his period of service.

Management has subsequently declared a two-week mourning period in honour of the late professor and postponed academic activities. The university also said its flag would be lowered throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect, while appealing for privacy and dignity for the deceased’s family and the university community.