
… Installs Fr Prof Obiora, Idemobi as Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
It was a gathering of who is who and celebration of excellence on Saturday, 30th March 2025, at Tansian University, Umunya (Main Campus), in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, as the citadel of learning held its 13th Convocation ceremony amidst pomp and ceremony.
The event witnessed the installation and decoration of Reverend Father (Prof) Edwin SC Obiorah, SAN; and Professor Ellis Idemobi, as Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, respectively, as well as conferment on different individuals of honorary doctoral degrees, including his Royal Highness, Igwe Pharm. Onyido (Ezechumagha of Ogidi); former Reps member representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi (Ochiagha Idemili); the All Progressives Congress (APC) frontline gubernatorial aspirant, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma); Anambra South Senatorial Zone by-election APGA aspirant, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo (Seahorse); former aide to the Senate President and Executive Director of Corporate Services, Southeast Development Commission, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo; the Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye; AIG, Tunde Ogusakan (Rtd); for their outstanding contributions to the development of education in Nigeria.
Decorating Prof. Obiora, the Visitor of the school, Peter Cardinal Ebere Okpaleke, represented by Rev. Brother Innocent Anthony Uke, extolled Fr Obiora, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), for holding and guarding tenaciously, his principles, ideals, and virtues, describing him as a square peg on a square hole.
In a grand ceremony that showcased the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, a total of 380 students bagged their first and postgraduate degrees of the institution during the 13th Convocation Ceremony. The event, which was attended by dignitaries from various walks of life, also saw countless others receive their masters and doctoral degrees, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
The convocation ceremony was chaired by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, MFR, who brought his wealth of experience and expertise to the occasion. The planning committee which was chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor and former House of Assembly member representing Aguata I State Constituency, Prof. Hon. Cater Dike Nnamdi Umeoduagu, ensured that the event was a resounding success, with every detail meticulously taken care of, especially as expected of such occasion.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo; Ifeanyi Ibezi; Sylvester Okonkwo; Rt Hon Barr Umeha; Rt Hon Chief Pius Okoye; immediate past National chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Ike Oye; among many others, whose presence added to the prestige and significance of the event.
As the graduands marched proudly across the stage to receive their degrees, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride. The ceremony was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, as well as the unwavering support of their families and loved ones.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of Tansian University, Professor Eugene Nwadialor , congratulated the graduands on their achievements, charging them to remain committed to excellence in all their endeavours, noting that the university’s commitment to academic excellence was evident in the quality of its graduates, who, he noted, had gone on to make a positive impact in their various fields.
The Vice Chancellor admonished the graduands, who hailed from various disciplines, to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in their communities and the world at large, as they embarked on the next stage of their academic and professional journeys. He added that they did so with the knowledge and skills imparted to them by Tansian University, Umunya.
Speaking, the newly inaugurated Chancellor and the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the institution, Reverend Fr. Edwin SC Obiorah, SAN, paid a glowing tribute to the founder of Tansian University Umunya, Nigeria, Very Rev. Monsignor Johnbosco Akam, stating that Tansian University had a checkered history and was founded as a centre of academic excellence in 2004 by the late Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. John Bosco Akam (FCON), whom he described as a cleric of great vision and versatility. He added that It was licensed on 27/05/2007, by the National Universities Commission (NUC), to provide various tertiary educational, technical, and professional courses to students who thirsted for holistic formation and transformation.
‘In fact, its motto is ”Scientia Potestas et Virtus” (Knowledge is Power and Virtue). On 16/02/2022, Tansian University was recreated by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a juristic entity. It is my singular honour to address you on this occasion when our students are getting various laurels for their hard work in scholarship and where men and women who have distinguished themselves in their esteemed careers and disciplines are being conferred with various Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.),’ he said.
Congratulating Professor Idemobi on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff, and Students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, extended heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Ellis Idemobi on his historic inauguration as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Tansian University, Umunya.
Prof. Omenugha emphasized that the appointment represented a significant milestone for what she described as the growing reputation of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. She expressed gratitude to the Board of Trustees of Tansian University for recognizing Prof. Idemobi as the ideal candidate for what she described as a prestigious role, highlighting his qualifications as a perfect fit.
Prof. Idemobi originally assumed the position in an acting capacity in September 2024, with his appointment officially ratified by the Board of Trustees in December 2024, culminating in the formal inauguration during the 13th Convocation held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Umunya Main Campus.
The convocation ceremony was a fitting celebration of the graduands’ achievements and a testament to Tansian University’s commitment to academic excellence.
The Awka Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Fr Charles Ndubuisi, was among the dignitaries that graced the event.