Senate Orders Probe Of Tansian University Over Alleged Regulatory Breaches

The Senate has ordered an investigation into the operations and management of Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State, following allegations of administrative irregularities and concerns over the institution’s compliance with the regulatory requirements of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The directive followed concerns raised by Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, during deliberations on a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the National Universities Commission Act.

Umeh called for an immediate investigation into the university’s governance structure, particularly allegations concerning the appointment and removal of university officials and the exercise of management powers.

He argued that alleged disregard for established regulatory procedures could undermine university governance, weaken academic standards and damage the international reputation of Nigerian graduates.

Responding to the concerns, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasised the need to strengthen the regulatory authority of the NUC to ensure that public and private universities operated within the confines of the law.

Akpabio noted that the National Assembly had an oversight responsibility to support the commission in enforcing standards across the university system.

He added that where an institution was found to have violated applicable laws, the National Assembly could recommend appropriate action to the President, including its proscription, subject to the relevant legal procedures.

Following the deliberations, the Senate approved a motion for an investigation into Tansian University’s operations and management and directed the relevant committee to report back within two weeks.

Umeh had expressed concern that some private universities allegedly operated management structures inconsistent with established regulatory requirements.

He warned that allowing university operators to disregard the NUC’s directives could weaken accountability and undermine confidence in the country’s higher education system.

The senator called on the Senate to take action against any institution found to be operating outside the approved regulatory framework, stressing that enforcement should not wait for the proposed amendment to the NUC Act to become law.

He also warned that failure to address alleged irregularities could have wider implications for the credibility of Nigerian university qualifications.

The investigation is expected to establish whether Tansian University’s governance arrangements comply with applicable regulations and determine whether further action is warranted.

The allegations against the institution have yet to be established by the investigation.

The probe comes as the Senate considers a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the National Universities Commission Act to strengthen the commission’s regulatory powers and improve oversight of university education in Nigeria.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and presented by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, seeks to establish an updated legal framework for the regulation, monitoring and management of universities and other degree-awarding institutions.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, update minimum academic standards, improve accreditation processes and ensure that Nigerian universities align with international best practices.

It also seeks to provide appropriate sanctions for regulatory violations and reinforce the NUC’s position as the apex regulatory authority for academic programme accreditation.

During the debate, lawmakers argued that the existing legal framework needed to be updated to address changes in the university sector, particularly the expansion of private institutions and emerging challenges in university administration.

They maintained that stronger regulation was necessary to improve quality assurance, promote research and innovation, and ensure that Nigerian universities remained competitive internationally.

The Senate subsequently referred the investigation into Tansian University to the relevant committee for further consideration, with a directive to report back within two weeks.

The committee is expected to examine the institution’s governance arrangements and determine whether they comply with the regulatory guidelines governing university administration in Nigeria.

The development signals the Senate’s intention to strengthen oversight of university management as lawmakers consider broader reforms to the legal framework governing higher education.

The proposed NUC amendment bill has passed its second reading and is undergoing further legislative consideration.