Akwa Ibom appoints pioneer VC for new University of Education

Akwa Ibom State University of Education. Photo: Instagram / @edidiongitaii

Professor Philip Afaha has been appointed the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the newly established Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit.

The appointment was announced by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, during the 2026 Teachers’ Day celebration.

The development was announced by the school in a statement on Tuesday.

Afaha is a historian and administrator and a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, of the University of Abuja.

He joined the University of Abuja in 2013 as a Lecturer I and became a Professor of History and Intergroup Relations in 2021.

During his time at the university, he served as Head of the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Director of the Institute of Legislative Studies and Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre, among other positions.

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Afaha holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in History and International Studies from the University of Uyo. He obtained his PhD in History, specialising in Intergroup Relations, from the University of Abuja.

Born on December 8, 1972, in Akai Ubium, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Afaha has authored and co-authored more than 50 publications, according to the statement announcing his appointment.

He has also undertaken academic and professional engagements in Nigeria and abroad.

In 2025, he was appointed Special Adviser on Policy and Strategy to the Edo State Governor and became an adjunct professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in May 2026.

As the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Afaha will oversee the development of the university’s academic and administrative structures as the institution begins operations.

“His appointment marks another significant chapter in the academic and professional career of one of Akwa Ibom’s accomplished scholars and administrators,” the statement said.