Monday July 21, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
By Dennis UDOMA
Uyo
Ahead of eviction of Prof. Nya Udo Ndaeyo as the incumbent Vice – Chancellor of the University of Uyo in November, more than 10 Professors are currently jostling for the top job in the institution.
Among the strong contenders in the race to become the next Vice-Chancelor of UNIUYO, is Professor Etete Peters, whose reason for aspiring for the position is to consolidate on the already established foundation for growth and development of the citadel of learning.
Peters, who happens to be the only Clinical lecturer and the first time the College produces aspirant for the contest, said if he is given the opportunity to become the next VC, he would bring meaningful development to the vision.
Abridged overview of his credentials cited by The Daily Monitor Newspaper revealed, Prof. Peters, a renowned pulmonologist holds Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. He has also obtained certificates in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Medical Emergency Preparedness from Israel.
Also, his administrative experience shows, the renowned Professor of Medicine had served as Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Uyo and Chief Medical Director at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
Professor Peters is widely published in reputable journals nationally and internationally, and has expertise in Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, HIV/AIDS, and Tropical Medicine amongst others.
Due to his numerous medical researches and interventions throughout his medical career, he has received several awards of excellence in healthcare delivery, leadership, and research, including the MDG Icon of the Year and, Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Awards.
Though, the selection process for the Vice-Chancellorship position is underway, with a list of candidates being shortlisted and interviewed by the University’s Governing Council, Prof. Etete Peters becomes the cynosure of all eyes, as one with the most outstanding administrative governance experience.
“Records showed, Prof. Peters had been a former Chief Medical Director (CMD), of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; Provost, Medical College and Chairman; Akwa Ibom State Hospitals Management Board.
Others are; Chairman, Akwa Ibom State University of Technology Appraisal Committee. This prestigious appointment placed him at the helm of evaluating academic programmes, institutional policies and research frameworks for the newly established university, now Akwa Ibom State University with campuses at Ikot Akpaden in Mkpat Enin Local Government and Obio Akpa in Abak Local Government Area respectively.
His contributions helped shape the Akwa Ibom State University academic structure, faculties development programmes/strategic direction to ensure it met global standards.
Prof. Peters, is a global figure in medical conferences and leadership engagements, mentorship and commitment to capacity building.
Above all, he is academia, erudite scholar, accomplished physician and a distinguished administrator, whose contributions to medicine and public health have been widely recognized through the numerous awards and honours in his kitty.
Those spoke on the VC’s selection are of the opinion that, College of Medical Sciences should be allowed a shot for the position.
A lecturer with the University who spoke under anonymity said, Prof. Peters is already in good stead, having held several administrative positions in the institution.
“I can say without any equivocation that, Medical College of the University has not had the opportunity compared to other facilities. Therefore, Prof. Peters is fit for the position,. He had been head of Departments, CMD, Provost, and held several responsibilities and is capable for the VCship.
“This is the first time a lecturer from the Clinical College is contesting for the VC’s position promising. And I am hopeful given the chance, he will add meaningful development to the institution”.
Other aspirants eyeing the VC’s position at same UNIUYO include; a renowned economist and Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Prof. Chris Ekong, Prof. Idara Akpan, himself an academic with expressed interest, Rector, Dakkada Skills Development Center and former DVC, Academics, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, Prof. Daniel Offiong, who is the current Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and reportedly the incumbent VC’s preferred successor. However, some critics argue that certain requirements in the job advertisement might be tailored to favor him.
The Vice-Chancellorship selection process is usually, a rigorous evaluation including; interviews with the Governing Council, and the final decision is made based on the Council members’ votes.
