The Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo, developed from the nucleus provided by the department of Paediatrics of the Federal Medical Centre, which has since become the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo. The hospital department was initially run by Medical Officers with interest in Paediatrics.

In November 2000 a consultant Paediatrician, Dr. Bassey Ntekim, joined the department. He was assisted by a sessional consultant – Dr. Jacob J. Udoh, who visited once a week, from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. With the establishment of the College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, the academic department of paediatrics grew out of the hospital department. Professor Emmanuel E. Ekanem joined the department as an adjunct Professor of Paediatrics in 2002; three lecturers soon joined in 2005.

In 2006 Dr. Eno E. Nyong was appointed the first Acting Head of Department, followed by Dr. Enobong Ikpeme then Dr. Frances Okpokowuruk, and at present, Dr. Mkpouto Akpan. Currently, the department has on its teaching staff two adjunct Professors one associate professor, three Senior lecturers and six (6) lecturers. It has a Children Emergency unit, Diarrhea Treatment Unit, Children’s main ward, Children’s surgical ward, Special Care Baby’s Unit (for in-born babies) Sick Babies Unit (for babies born outside the hospital), Side-room Laboratory and a departmental library.

The department also participates in the activities of the Child Welfare Clinic, which is based in the department of Community Health.

There are general Paediatric clinics, and clinics in Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Cardiology, Paediatric Nephrology, Paediatric Pulmonology and Haematology neonatology, run by the respective sub-specialists.

In 2006, the department was accredited by the National Postgraduate Medical Collage of Nigeria and the West African Collage of Physicians to train resident doctors in paediatrics.

UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT

• Paediatric Cardiology Unit
• Paediatric Nephrology Unit
• Paediatric Neurology
• Paediatric Haematology
• Neonatology Unit
• Children Emergency Unit
• Paediatric pulmonology Unit
• Paediatric Gastroenterology Unit
• Paediatric Infections
• Diseases Unit