RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The Nigerian Senate has ordered an investigation into the management and operations of Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, following allegations of administrative irregularities and possible violations of university regulatory requirements.
The directive was issued during Thursday’s plenary after Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, raised concerns about the institution’s compliance with established procedures, particularly those governing staff appointments and dismissals.
Following deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, directing members to investigate the allegations and submit their findings within two weeks.
Akpabio stressed that public and private universities must operate within the law and comply with the regulatory standards established by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He warned that institutions found to have committed serious violations could face appropriate sanctions, including recommendations for their closure where legally justified.
The Senate President emphasised the importance of strengthening the NUC’s regulatory authority to improve accountability, institutional governance and academic standards across Nigerian universities.
The investigation coincided with the consideration of the National Universities Commission Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, designated SB. 1056.
The proposed legislation, which passed its second reading, seeks to repeal the existing NUC Act and establish a modern framework for regulating university education in Nigeria.
Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and presented during debate by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, the bill proposes stronger enforcement powers for the NUC, improved accreditation processes and clearer sanctions for regulatory breaches.
It also seeks to update minimum academic standards, strengthen institutional monitoring and improve the quality of university education.
Leading the debate, Monguno argued that Nigeria’s existing regulatory framework required substantial reform following the expansion of private universities, technological advancement and the growing internationalisation of higher education.
He explained that the proposed legislation would promote research and innovation while introducing modern mechanisms for institutional oversight.
Other provisions include measures to improve transparency through digital systems, regulate international academic partnerships and address funding and sustainability challenges within the university sector.
The legislation also seeks to balance regulatory supervision with the administrative independence of universities.
Following its second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund for further consideration, with a two-week reporting deadline.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Tansian University is expected to examine the allegations raised by Umeh and determine whether the institution has breached applicable regulatory requirements.
The Senate has not announced any findings of wrongdoing against the university, and the investigation does not constitute a suspension of its licence or academic activities.
The institution’s response to the allegations was not available in the reports reviewed at the time of publication.
