About the Department

Professor Isaac Essiet Udoh is the first indigenous Professor of Music from the University of Uyo. He, a Professor of Music Theory and Composition, and Sacred Music, is the current Head of the Department of Music (since June 11, 2018) and the current Vice Dean of Arts since (May 02, 2019). He is a seasoned administrator, a music guru who excels in his chosen field of endeavour, and a Reverend Minister in Methodist Church Nigeria.

Professor Isaac Essiet Udoh, born on December 17, 1962, is a native of Abiakpo Ikot Essien in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. His academic qualifications include Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Master of Arts (MA) in music from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, and Ph.D. in Music from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. He also obtained a Diploma in Theology from Methodist Theological Institute (MTI), Umuahia. Professor Udoh joined the services of University of Uyo on February 26, 1996, as Graduate Assistant. With the help of God, through hard work and dedication to duty, he rose to the rank of a Professor. In fact, he is the first indigenous Professor of Music from the University of Uyo; an achievement of no mean repute. For now, he is also the only living Professor of Music both in Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State.

Professor Isaac Udoh majors in Music Theory and Composition, and Sacred Music, and also performs on the voice and the Piano, which is his major instrument. He has more than three hundred (300) compositions to his credit; ranging from sacred works to academic works – instrumental and vocal. Since his appointment at the University, he has taught several courses from Certificate Programme in Music, Diploma Programme in Music to Undergraduate Programme and PG Programme in Music. Some of the courses taught by him include Rudiments of Music, Tonal/Chromatic Harmony, Modal/Strict and Free Counterpoint, History of Music, Ear Training and Aural Culture, General Musicianship, Acoustics and Psycho-Acoustics of Music, Keyboard Harmony, Analysis and Analytic Method of 20th Century Music, Orchestration, Composition, Performance Workshops (Western and African) and University Chorus.

He has supervised many undergraduate students in the area of Composition, Performance and African Music. He has also supervised and produced four Masters Degree Students in the area of Composition and Performance. He has also supervised Ph.D. students. Professor Isaac Udoh is a member of many professional bodies. He is a Member, Association of Nigerian Musicologists (ANIM); Member, International Society for Music Education (ISME); Member, Pan African Society for Musical Arts Education (PASMAE), and Member, Association of African Composers.

Professor Isaac Udoh has attended more than twenty-five (25) Conferences, both local and international and has presented papers at such conferences. He has written books, book chapters, and has more than forty publications in reputable journals within and outside Nigeria. Prof. Udoh, with, four other people interpreted the English Methodist Hymnbook into Efik – Nwed Ikwo Methodist. He was equally the Editor.

Prof. Isaac Udoh has served the University of Uyo in various capacities. Such include Secretary, (Music) Departmental Board of Studies, 2002 – 2005; Coordinator/Examination Officer – Certificate Programme in Music, 2003 – 2006; Director of University Band and Orchestra (Preparation of the University Band/Orchestra for all University functions, 2008 -2011; Staff Adviser, Music Students Association of Nigeria (MUSAN), University of Uyo Chapter, 2013- 2014; Time Table Officer, 2012-2016. Others included Project Coordinator (Degree Programme), 2014-2016; P. G. Coordinator, 2015-2016 and was appointed Head, Department of Music from June 11, 2018, till date. He has also been engaged in various Committees/Community services within the University. They include: Member, Faculty of Arts Welfare Committee, 2004-2005; Secretary, LOC of Association of Nigerian Musicologists’ (ANIM) Conference held at the University of Uyo, 2010; Composed and Performed a Solo Piece (Our VC Well Done) at the Send-off Celebration of former VC, Prof. Akaneren Essien, Dec, 2010; Composed and Performed a Tenor Solo (We Are Revived) at ‘Concert of Resurgence’ organized by Music Department, 5/08/2011; Member, Gender Committee ASUU, University of Uyo Branch, 2011- 2016; Chairman, Quality Assurance Committee, Music Dept, 2013- 2016; Committee Member, 2018 FAICON, 2018 – 2019, 2022 – ; Member, 24th University of Uyo Convocation Committee, 2018; Member, Entertainment/Play Sub Committee of 24th University of Uyo Convocation, 2018; Member, 25th University of Uyo Convocation Committee, 2019; and Member, 25th Convocation Planning Sub-Committee, 2019.  Prof. Udoh has also engaged in Church, State and Community Services outside the University. Such include: Choir Director and Organist, Methodist Church Nigeria, Abiakpo Ikot Essien, Ikot Ekpene,1983-2006; Music Consultant to different churches and communities,1996 till date; Adjudicator at song competitions, 1996 till date; Lay Preachers’ Secretary; Sunday School Superintendent, Quarterly Meeting Secretary II in Methodist Church Nigeria, Abiakpo Ikot Essien Circuit, 2000-2006; Ikot Ekpene Diocesan Correspondent and Columnist to Methodist News (Magazine of Methodist Church Nigeria), 2000 – 2016; Chief Adjudicator, AKSG Civil Service Choir Competition, 2012-2014; and the Pioneer Orchestra Coordinator (Ibom Orchestra) for 2012 Akwa Ibom State Government Christmas Carol Night (9999), 2012.

Prof. Udoh has received many awards/distinctions. Some of these awards include:

  • Award of Knight of Charles Wesley (KCW) by The Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria for his excellent contributions in Church Music, July 6, 2009;
  • Award of Akwa Etubom Ikwo by Methodist Church Nigeria, The Majesty Choir, 34 Chubb Road, Abiakpo Ikot Essien Circuit, Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, May 19, 2013;
  • An Award of Excellence in recognition of your valuable contribution To our academic success by Music Students Association of Nigeria (MUSAN) University of Uyo Chapter, May 20, 2015;
  • Award of Excellence in recognition of his numerous contributions To the Church and the Youth Fellowship in particular by Methodist Church Nigeria, Youth Fellowship, Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, August 12, 2016;
  • Merit Award in recognition for his exceptional effort, support and dedication for the promotion of Classical Music by Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Diocese of Uyo, Diadem Voice of John the Baptist Anglican Church Choir, Ikot Ekpene, April 9, 2017;
  • Award of Excellence for outstanding leadership in the Department of Music by the Music Students’ Association of Nigeria (MUSAN), University of Uyo Chapter, August 30, 2019;
  • Award of Recognition as Patron by Methodist Campus Fellowship, University of Uyo Chapter, September 08, 2019; and
  • Defender of Methodism in recognition of outstanding contributions towards the growth of God’s work by Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, September 18, 2022.

Prof. Isaac Udoh is a Tent-Making Minister (Reverend) with Methodist Church Nigeria from 2006 till date. He has risen to the rank of a Presbyter (Very Reverend) and currently in charge of English Service at Groves Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ikot Ekpene. He is the current and pioneer Conference Music Coordinator, Methodist Church Nigeria. Prof. Udoh is happily married to Dr. (Mrs.) Eno Isaac Udoh and the marriage is blessed with three lovely and god-fearing children – Esther, Samuel and Precious.

His contacts: +2348037800907, +2348184118943,

isaacudoh@uniuyo.edu.ng,   isesudoh@yahoo.com.

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Vision Statement

To be a centre of academic excellence by utilizing the available human and technological resources for teaching, research, community service and sustainable development.

Mission Statement

To diligently pursue scholarship and deploy its output for human capacity development and economic growth in the society, with active participation in ICT.