Tansian University Ownership Crises, Power Struggles, Why Senator Victor Umeh Resigned as Chancellor

Senator Victor Umeh’s resignation as Chancellor of Tansian University, Umunya Anambra State has brought attention to a deepening crisis within the institution, marked by power struggles, corruption, and a lack of leadership transparency. Sources close to the former Chancellor reveal that Umeh’s resignation was driven by a toxic environment where hierarchy and governance were routinely bypassed, and institutional decision-making was dominated by external influences.

A close source to Senator Umeh, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Umeh’s decision to step down was influenced by deep-rooted issues within the university’s administration that were not being addressed. According to the source, Umeh stood firm in his belief that the university’s leadership should operate in a transparent and ethical manner, following proper hierarchical procedures. However, this ideal was not being respected in the institution’s day-to-day operations.

“The university has hydro-headed issues,” the source explained, referencing the multiple, seemingly insurmountable challenges the institution faces. “And those at the helm of affairs do not want to resolve these issues. They continue to bypass the proper channels of authority in critical decision-making. Everything is being short-circuited. Junior principal officers do not take instruction from the Vice Chancellor, but rather from outsiders. This includes the university’s lawyer, Rev. Fr. Edwin Obiora, who is said to have manipulated the situation to oust Senator Umeh from his position.”

The source further emphasized that Tansian University has become embroiled in a series of controversies that have left its leadership in turmoil. Among the most contentious issues is the unresolved ownership crisis, which has sparked heated debates about the rightful control of the institution. According to the source, these issues were exacerbated by power struggles and infighting that have hindered the university’s ability to progress.

In an institution where decision-making is supposed to follow established hierarchies, the ongoing chaos has created an environment where the university is unable to adhere to even basic standards of academic governance. The source pointed out that despite the National Universities Commission (NUC) issuing reports that are meant to guide the university’s development, Tansian University has failed to implement even the most basic recommendations, further exacerbating the sense of dysfunction at the institution.

“Everything about the university right now is about power grabbing,” the source stated. “No one is interested in moving the university forward. Instead, it’s all about control and influence, and that’s something Senator Umeh could no longer tolerate.”

Umeh’s resignation was particularly influenced by a critical turning point: the disassociation of His Eminence Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke, the Bishop of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese, from the university. The Cardinal’s decision to distance himself from the institution came after a series of unresolved issues related to the ownership of Tansian University. The university, which was founded by the late Very Rev. Msgr. Johnbosco Akam of the Ekwulobia Diocese, has been mired in disputes regarding its leadership and management, particularly surrounding the contentious Last Will of the late founder.

According to the source, the university’s leadership has been plagued by infighting, name-calling, and unresolved disputes that have created an atmosphere of mistrust. The tensions surrounding the will of the founder have only added fuel to the fire, leading to deep divisions within the university’s leadership structure.

The source said that Umeh made it clear that he could no longer be part of an institution that was plagued by such dysfunction and a lack of accountability. “There are too many lies and suspicions surrounding the university,” the source quoted Umeh as saying. “And I cannot associate myself with this mess. My integrity is important to me, and I will not allow it to be compromised by the current state of affairs at Tansian University.”

Umeh’s departure marks a significant moment in the history of Tansian University, an institution that has struggled with its identity and leadership since its inception. The university, which had once been seen as a promising institution of higher learning in Nigeria, now faces an uncertain future as it grapples with internal strife and external scrutiny.

The resignation of Senator Umeh has sparked a wave of reactions from students, faculty, and other stakeholders who are concerned about the direction in which the university is headed. Many have expressed disappointment at the state of affairs within the institution, with some calling for a complete overhaul of the university’s leadership and governance structures.
Fr. Edwin Obiora, who was widely believed to have played a key role in the events leading to Umeh’s exit, has since occupied the position of Chancellor, further fueling the tension surrounding the university’s leadership. Despite the challenges and internal power struggles, the transition has done little to calm concerns about the university’s future. The institution now faces a critical juncture. It remains to be seen what steps will be taken to resolve the ongoing crises that have plagued the institution. However, one thing is clear: the university is in dire need of strong, transparent, and effective leadership if it is to regain its credibility and move forward in a positive direction.

For now, the future of Tansian University remains uncertain, and the resignation of Senator Umeh has only deepened the sense of instability and turmoil that surrounds the institution. Whether the leadership can address the issues that have led to this crisis remains to be seen, but for many, it may be too little, too late.