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

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

Afaha is a historian and administrator who previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, at the University of Abuja. He joined the university in 2013 as a Lecturer I and became a Professor of History and Intergroup Relations in 2021.

During his time at the University of Abuja, he held several key positions, including Head of the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Director of the Institute of Legislative Studies and Director of the Abuja Leadership Centre.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in History and International Studies from the University of Uyo, as well as a PhD in History 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.

He has also undertaken academic and professional engagements both 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 in South Africa in May 2026. As pioneer Vice-Chancellor, he will oversee the development of the university’s academic and administrative structures as the institution begins operations.