By Mardiyyah Abubakar
The Senate has ordered an investigation into the operations and management of Tansian University in Umunya, Anambra State, over alleged administrative excesses and concerns about compliance with National Universities Commission (NUC) regulations.
The directive followed a motion raised by Senator Victor Umeh, who questioned the university’s alleged disregard for regulatory procedures, particularly in the appointment and dismissal of personnel.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund to investigate the allegations and submit its report within two weeks.
Akpabio stressed the need to strengthen the NUC’s regulatory powers to ensure that public and private universities operate within the law.
He added that the National Assembly could recommend appropriate action to the President, including the proscription of a university found to have violated the law.
The investigation comes as the Senate considers an executive bill seeking to repeal the National Universities Commission Act 2026 and establish a stronger legal framework for regulating university education in Nigeria.
The bill, presented by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Munguno, seeks to strengthen the NUC’s enforcement powers, update minimum academic standards and improve accreditation processes.
It also proposes sanctions for regulatory violations and reinforces the commission’s role as the apex body responsible for accrediting academic programmes.
Lawmakers said a stronger regulatory framework would help improve quality assurance, promote research and innovation, and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
The Senate referred the investigation to the relevant committee as the proposed NUC legislation scaled second reading.
