Gov. Eno Appoints New Chancellor, Substantive VC, and Governing Council for AKSU

In a major overhaul of the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) leadership, Governor Umo Bassey Eno has approved the appointment of a new Chancellor, a substantive Vice-Chancellor, and a reconstituted Governing Council. 

The move is part of the administration's strategic drive to strengthen institutional governance and accelerate the implementation of the ARISE Agenda within the state's education sector.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, mark a transition from the recent interim leadership phase:

Substantive Vice-Chancellor: Professor Otoabasi Etim Akpan has been confirmed as the substantive Vice-Chancellor. A Professor of History of Ideas and International Security Studies, Professor Akpan had been serving in an acting capacity since August 2, 2025, when he succeeded Professor Nse Essien.

Chancellor: A new Chancellor has been appointed to serve as the titular head of the institution, providing high-level ceremonial and advisory leadership.

Governing Council: A newly reconstituted council has been inaugurated to oversee the university’s policy direction, financial management, and administrative discipline. 

According to official statements from the Government House, these appointments are designed to ensure:

Institutional Stability: Bringing an end to the period of acting leadership to allow for long-term strategic planning.

Academic Excellence: Expanding professional courses in Health, Medical, and Environmental fields to give Akwa Ibom youths a competitive edge.

Improved Welfare: A renewed focus on staff welfare packages and the renovation of key campus infrastructure. 

Professor Akpan’s confirmation is particularly significant as he is the first indigenous professor of the institution to be appointed to the office of Vice-Chancellor. Having spent over 13 years at AKSU in various capacities—including Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Arts—he is widely regarded as an insider with a deep understanding of the university's peculiar challenges. 

The university community has reacted with optimism, with student groups and faculty members expressing confidence that this new administrative era will usher in a period of unprecedented growth and global collaboration