In a decisive meeting held yesterday (Wednesday), November 26, 2025, the Senate of the University of Uyo appointed Professor Anthonia Essien, the current Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution.
Her appointment comes as the University awaits the naming of a substantive Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Essien, a devout Catholic and Reverend Sister of Annang origin, is widely admired for her sterling qualities within and outside the academic community.
Renowned for her humility, exceptional intelligence, philanthropy, and compassion, she has built a reputation as a humane and approachable administrator, whose leadership style prioritizes excellence and the welfare of staff and students.
A distinguished scholar and respected figure in the Nigerian academia, Prof. Essien has contributed significantly to scholarship, university development, and national academic discourse.
Her colleagues describe her as a “rare blend of brilliance and moral strength,” while students know her as a leader who listens, supports, and inspires.
With her new role as Acting Vice Chancellor, the University of Uyo enters a new phase of leadership guided by integrity, empathy, and academic rigour, qualities that have defined Prof. Essien’s career over the years.
Her appointment has been met with widespread commendation, as stakeholders express confidence that she will steer the university with wisdom, stability, and visionary purpose pending the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.
However, the selection of a substantive VC was stalemated in the past few weeks, owing to intriguing tendencies that characterized the proclamation of a successor to the outgoing VC, Prof. Nyaudoh Ukpabio Ndaeyo, who has served out his 5 years tenure from 2020 to 2025.
Though, it was alleged that 10 aspirants earlier jostled for the UNIUYO’s top job, below is the summary of some “front runners” for the Vice Chancellorship position 2025/2026 selection circle;
Prof. Anthonia Essien, former VC (Academic) and highly respected scholar, a Catholic Reverend Sister and administrator.
Prof. Etete Peters; a clinical lecturer, former Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, former Provost of Medical College, former Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Hospitals Management Board, former Chairman, Akwa Ibom State University Review Committee and Chief Medical Consultant of no mean repute.
Chris Ekong; a Professor of Economics and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at UNIUYO. Former Commissioner for Youth and Sport, former Commissioner of Economics Development, Akwa Ibom State and Consultant to the Nigerian Delta Development Commission, NDDC and Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, etc.
Idara Akpan, one of the professors who reportedly expressed interest in the VC position.
Enoidem Usoro, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at UNIUYO, currently Rector of Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, Akwa Ibom State.
Daniel Offiong, is the current Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration).
Gabriel Umoh, from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension; listed among early contenders.
Effiong John; from the Department of Theatre Arts also cited among those vying for the VC seat.
Edet Joshua Udoh also from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension; named among aspirants.
The selection process reportedly involved screening and interview by the institution’s Governing Council; a procedure that, some stakeholders said, can be influenced by internal and external considerations.
However, as Prof. Anthonia Essien has become the Acting VC, what remains unclear is, what would be the fate of other aspirants going forward.
