BRIEF CITATION OF PROFESSOR CHRISTOPHER NYONG EKONG, 
THE 9TH UNIUYO VICE-CHANCELLOR

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skilful hands he led them.”  -Psalm 78:72

Integrity, competence, vision and service remain the enduring hallmarks of transformative leadership. These qualities aptly describe Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, a distinguished scholar, accomplished administrator and visionary leader whose commitment to restoration and renewal continues to inspire confidence across the length and width of the University community.

Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong was appointed the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo by the Governing Council, with effect from June 16, 2026. He is a Professor of Monetary and Development Economics, an astute libralist, public servant, and development expert with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, University administration, public policy, and community development.

Born on October 25, 1967, he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the then University of Cross River State (now University of Uyo) in 1988. He subsequently earned a Master of Science Degree in Economics with specialization in Money and Banking from the University of Port Harcourt in 1992 before joining the academic staff of the University of Uyo as an Assistant Lecturer in 1993. He later obtained his Doctoral Degree in Economics from the University of Uyo in 2001.

Throughout his academic career, Professor Ekong has made significant contributions to teaching, research, consultancy, and institutional development. His professional engagements include consultancy assignments for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and other national and international development agencies, particularly in the areas of socio-economic development, rural finance, environmental impact assessment, and community development.

Beyond academia, this cerebral gentleman has served with distinction in public service. He served as Commissioner, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, Akwa Ibom State; Special Adviser, Bureau of Youth and Culture; Commissioner for Youth and Sports; Commissioner for Economic Development and Chief Economic Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Government. 

He also served as Chairman of Akwa United Football Club and held several strategic appointments on state committees and development initiatives. In 2017, he was appointed a Council Member of the National Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER).

The sound economist has continually enhanced his leadership capacity through professional development programmes, including executive and leadership training in Nigeria and abroad. His academic and professional exposure has equipped him with extensive experience in strategic planning, policy formulation, institutional leadership, and organisational development.

Within the University of Uyo, Ekong has held several key leadership positions including Head of Department, Economics; Coordinator of the BSc. Economics E-Learning Programme; Director of International Programmes; Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences; Chairman, Committee of Deans, and Chairman of several academic and administrative committees. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to institutional advancement through personal interventions that enhanced teaching and learning infrastructure within the Department of Economics.

As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ekong brings to office a compelling vision of Restoration and Renewal anchored on academic excellence, research and innovation, digital transformation, infrastructure renewal, staff development, student-centred administration, strategic partnerships, transparency, accountability, and global competitiveness.

His administration is expected to consolidate the University’s achievements while positioning the institution among Africa’s leading centres of learning, research, innovation and sustainable development. 

In recognition of his distinguished record of scholarship, exemplary public service, proven administrative competence, and unwavering commitment to institutional development, the University community reposes great confidence in his capacity to provide purposeful, visionary, and transformational leadership.

The Uyo-born scholar and administrator is entrusted with the responsibility of leading the University of Uyo as its 9th Vice-Chancellor. The University community is confident that his wealth of experience, visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence will further strengthen the University’s pursuit of academic distinction, innovation and global relevance.

Under the leadership of Professor Christopher Nyong Ekong, the University of Uyo embarks on a new chapter with hopes for better days.