AKSU Gets New Acting Vice-Chacellor — Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan
Akwa Ibom State University has appointed Professor OtoAbasi Etim Akpan as its new Acting Vice-Chancellor. This article takes a closer look at his journey, past roles, and what his appointment means for the school. Keep reading to meet the man now leading AKSU.
Saturday felt like any other day in Uyo, but for folks in the academic circle of Akwa Ibom State University, it marked a fresh turn. Inside the university’s Liaison Office at Shelter Afrique, there was a quiet but firm passing of the torch. Professor OtoAbasi Etim Akpan officially stepped in as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of AKSU.
He replaces Professor Nse U. Essien, who wrapped up his time at the helm after serving his full term. No drama, just a formal handover with a few nods, soft laughter, and some measured applause. You know how those ceremonies go.
Who Is This New VC?
If you’ve been around the academic blocks in Nigeria long enough, chances are his name rings a bell. Prof. Akpan didn’t just fall from the sky. This man has walked a long, scholarly road.
Before this new role, he served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). But that’s just one hat out of many. He has worn quite a few, all within AKSU: Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University Orator, Head of the History and International Studies Department, and once led the Obio Akpa campus. That’s not even half of it.
He also served as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Director of International Collaborations and Linkages, and was on the university’s Governing Council. Man’s résumé long no be small.
Beyond AKSU’s Walls
His reach extends well past the borders of Akwa Ibom. A distinguished Sabbatical Fellow at the National Defence College in Abuja, visiting professor at several universities including UniAbuja and UniPort, and even a Board Member of the Institute of Governance and Social Research in Jos.
Let’s just say when it comes to academia and national policy spaces, Prof. Akpan doesn’t just show up. He brings his chair to the table.
A Little Backstory
Born and raised in Ibiaku Itam, Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Akpan’s journey began way back. His first job after secondary school was as an auxiliary teacher — one chalk, one blackboard, and plenty of ambition.
He studied History at the University of Calabar, went on to bag his master’s at the University of Ibadan, then added more academic layers at the University of Jos and the University of Port Harcourt, where he earned his PhD in Diplomatic Studies.
In 1997, he entered the university system as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Uyo. By 2013, he joined AKSU. And now, more than two decades later, here he is — Acting Vice-Chancellor.
The Roles That Keep Him Busy
He currently heads the College of Professors in Nigeria as National President. He also holds titles like President Emeritus of the Pan-African Historical Society and Dean Emeritus of the Ibibio Academic Roundtable. Oh, and he’s a United Nations Peace Volunteer too.
As if that’s not plenty, he’s also a member of the World History Association and over a dozen other professional bodies across the globe. He has published more than 100 academic works — books, journals, conference papers. The whole buffet.
Family and the Human Side
Away from the titles and papers, Prof. Akpan is a family man. He’s married and has five children. That detail might seem small, but it paints a fuller picture. Leadership isn’t just about papers and meetings — it’s about balance, patience, and yes, some stress too.
What Next for AKSU?
Now that he’s officially in charge, students, staff, and the wider community are watching. Will he bring change? Maybe. Maybe not right away. But one thing’s clear: he’s not new to the system. He knows where the shoes pinch.
And with that handover now done and dusted, the clock has started ticking. Let’s see what this new chapter brings.
For now, AKSU moves on — new leader, same mission. Sha, we dey watch.
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