AKSU Welcomes New Acting Vice-Chancellor: Prof. OtoAbasi Etim Akpan

Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has officially appointed Professor OtoAbasi Etim Akpan as its new Acting Vice-Chancellor.

The formal handing-over ceremony took place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the University Liaison Office, Shelter Afrique, Uyo.

Prof. Akpan, who previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at AKSU, is a distinguished scholar specializing in the History of Ideas and International Security Studies. Since joining AKSU in 2013, he has held several key leadership roles, including Member of the Governing Council, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Head of Campus at Obio Akpa, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Director of International Collaborations and Linkages, University Orator, and Head of the Department of History and International Studies.

His academic career spans several notable institutions. Prof. Akpan began as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Uyo in 1997 and holds degrees from the University of Calabar (BA History), University of Ibadan (MA History of Ideas), University of Jos (MSc International Relations and Strategic Studies), and University of Port Harcourt (PhD Diplomatic Studies).

He is also recognized internationally as a Sabbatical Fellow of the National Defence College, Abuja, and a Visiting Professor at multiple universities, including the University of Abuja Leadership Centre, Universities of Uyo, Port Harcourt, Obong University, and Nasarawa State University.

Beyond academia, Prof. Akpan holds significant positions such as National President of the College of Professors in Nigeria (CoPIN), President Emeritus of the Pan-African Historical Society, Dean Emeritus of the Ibibio Academic Roundtable, Ambassador of the United Nations Peace Volunteers, and Chairman of the Mary Slessor Institute of African Policy Studies.

A native of Ibiaku Itam in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Akpan is married with five children.

He succeeds Professor Nse U. Essien, a Professor of Sedimentology, who completed his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by senior university officials including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Ita Ewa-Oboho, Registrar and Secretary to Council and Senate Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, University Librarian Dr. Nse E. Akwang, Head of Obio Akpa Campus and Dean of Faculty of Management Sciences Prof. Nkanikpo I. Ibok, along with staff from various university directorates.