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

Governor Umo Eno announced the appointment on Monday during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo.

Afaha, a professor and former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, becomes the institution’s first Vice Chancellor as the state moves to establish the university as a specialised institution for teacher education and training.

The appointment was announced before teachers and other stakeholders gathered at the stadium to commemorate this year’s World Teachers’ Day.

As pioneer Vice Chancellor, Afaha is expected to provide the academic and administrative leadership required to set up the institution, including developing its academic programmes, structures and institutional framework.

His appointment also places him at the centre of the state government’s efforts to strengthen teacher education and develop a new generation of professionally trained teachers.

Afaha’s previous experience as Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja is expected to bring senior university administration experience to the new institution.