Prof. Etienne Enobong Essien is a distinguished Nigerian pharmacologist and academic leader known for his pivotal role in establishing pharmaceutical education and food safety regulation in Nigeria.
Key Roles and Achievements
- Pioneer Dean at University of Uyo: Prof. Essien served as the Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Uyo when it was established as a department in 1990. He led the faculty through its early years, graduating its first sets of pharmacists between 1997 and 2010.
- FDAC Director: He was the Director of the Food and Drugs Administration and Control (FDAC) in Nigeria from 1989 to 1991, where he oversaw national food and drug safety standards.
- International Leadership: He served as the Chairman of the African Regional Codex Alimentarius Committee for the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, representing Africa in international food standard-setting from the end of the 19th to the end of the 20th Session of the Commission.
- Government Service: He served as the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government from 1992 to 1993.
- Academic Leadership: Before his tenure at the University of Uyo, he was the Dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Lagos (1983–1988).
- Professional Memberships: He is a Fellow of the West African College of Pharmacy and the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria.
Prof. Essien remains a key figure in the history of pharmacy education in Akwa Ibom State and Nigerian public health policy.