Professor Cater Dike Umeoduagu, the newly inaugurated Vice-Chancellor of Tansian University, Umunya/Oba, Anambra State, has died barely 24 hours after assuming office.

Umeoduagu was inaugurated as the Vice-Chancellor of the university on Friday, October 2, 2026.

However, the professor of Microbiology reportedly took ill later that night and died suddenly in the early hours of Saturday, October 3.

Sources familiar with the development said Umeoduagu suddenly became unwell around midnight and was pronounced dead at about 2am.

His death came as a shock to the university community, having taken over the leadership of the institution only hours earlier.

Umeoduagu was a Professor of Microbiology and had previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Tansian University.

He was also a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, where he represented Aguata 1 Constituency during the Seventh Assembly.

His tenure at the university as Deputy Vice-Chancellor was reportedly marked by periods of controversy and internal challenges, including disagreements that generated significant issues within the institution.

Details surrounding the cause of his sudden death were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.

The university community, colleagues, political associates and others who knew the late professor are expected to mourn his untimely passing. (Daily Review)