By Fatima Saka
The Senate on Thursday moved to investigate Tansian University, Anambra State, over violations of regulatory guidelines, including claims that its management structure operates without a Board of Trustees as required by law.
The decision followed concerns raised by Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, during deliberations on a bill seeking to strengthen the regulatory powers of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The legislator hereby moved a motion for prompt action to the investigate the institution.
Senator Umeh, who cited Tansian University as an example of alleged non-compliance with university governance regulations, urged the Senate to investigate the institution and establish the legal basis for its management structure, including the appointment and removal of vice-chancellors.
The senator alleged that the institution’s managing director exercised powers to appoint and remove vice-chancellors without following the procedures prescribed by law. He also questioned the absence of a Board of Trustees and the university’s compliance with directives issued by the NUC.
Umeh said the development highlighted the need to strengthen the commission’s regulatory authority and ensure that private universities comply with established governance standards.
He argued that universities that disregard lawful regulatory directives should face appropriate sanctions, including possible closure, to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
The debate arose during the consideration of a bill seeking to repeal the National Universities Commission Act, Cap N81, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and enact a new law to strengthen the commission’s authority over the establishment, regulation, monitoring and management of universities and other degree-awarding institutions.
The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, was considered for second reading.
Umeh supported the proposed legislation, stressing that the NUC should have sufficient powers to enforce its directives and ensure that universities operate in accordance with approved standards.
He warned that persistent regulatory failures could undermine public confidence in Nigerian university certificates and expose graduates to possible discrimination by institutions abroad.
Following the debate, the Senate called for an investigation into the institution and directed the relevant Senate committee to examine its governance structure and report its findings to the chamber.
The move is expected to provide an opportunity for the Senate to establish whether the university’s management arrangements comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
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Tansian University is a private Christian university in Anambra State, founded on May 17, 2009, by Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. John Bosco Akam, with its permanent site in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area.
The proposed amendment to the NUC Act is intended to strengthen oversight of Nigerian universities and ensure compliance with established academic and administrative standards.
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