By Nseobong Okon-Ekong
In the ever-evolving story of Nigeria’s development, few intellectuals have shaped the nation’s economic direction and public policy with the depth, conviction, and humanity of Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo. A world-renowned economist, rights advocate, philanthropist, and statesman of ideas, Professor Ekpo stands as one of Africa’s most distinguished voices in economic governance and development strategy.
From the classrooms of Nigerian universities to august policy institutions across the world, he has demonstrated that sound economic policy must always serve the interests of people — not merely the figures on a fiscal chart.
An Intellectual Foundation Rooted in Excellence
Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo’s academic journey is a story of brilliance and purpose. Trained in economics to the highest level, he devoted over four decades to teaching, research, and public service. His scholarly career spanned the University of Calabar, the University of Abuja, and later institutions in Southern Africa, before he rose to one of Nigeria’s most prestigious academic positions — Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo.
As a university administrator, he infused intellectual rigour with compassionate leadership. His tenure marked a period of infrastructural renewal, academic expansion, and enhanced staff and student welfare. He championed the philosophy that universities must produce not just graduates but thinkers capable of solving national challenges.
A prolific scholar, he is the author of many books and numerous academic papers, making his voice one of the most cited and respected in Africa’s economic discourse.
A Bridge Between Academia and Policy
Professor Ekpo belongs to a rare breed of scholars whose intellectual work powerfully influences national and global policy. Over the years, he served as Economic Adviser to several Nigerian governors, helping them craft fiscally responsible and people-centered development agendas.
His deep understanding of macroeconomic management made him a valued collaborator of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance. His engagements in monetary and fiscal policymaking were so impactful that his name was at a time on the cards to become Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria — a testament to his stature, expertise, and national relevance.
His philosophy remains consistent: economic growth must be inclusive, equitable, and anchored in human welfare.
Stewardship of Public Wealth and Strategic Investments
Beyond policy formulation, Professor Ekpo was entrusted with responsibilities requiring exceptional competence and integrity.
He took charge of Akwa Ibom State’s investment portfolio, providing oversight that ensured prudent management, growth, and transparency.
He also represented Akwa Ibom State on the board of Econet Wireless — now known as Airtel, contributing to what would become one of Africa’s largest and most influential telecommunications companies. His role in this emerging sector underscored his ability to bridge economic theory with real-world investment and institutional governance.
Continental Impact and Monetary Integration
Professor Ekpo’s expertise resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders. His work with the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) — the precursor to the West African Monetary Fund — positioned him at the heart of efforts to achieve economic integration and monetary stability across West Africa.
As a senior official and policy thinker, he worked tirelessly on frameworks for macroeconomic convergence, monetary coordination, and the long-term dream of a unified West African currency system. His contributions helped shape the continent’s discourse on building resilient economies capable of reducing external dependency.
Champion of Economic Justice and Human Rights
More than a technocrat, Professor Ekpo is a committed rights activist and public intellectual. Through essays, lectures, and media engagements, he has consistently argued that economic reform must never lose sight of the human condition.
He challenges policies that enrich the elite while marginalising the poor, insisting that development must be measured by improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, not just GDP figures. His thought leadership has earned him admiration as one of the most principled voices in Nigeria’s economic space.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Despite his global engagements, Professor Ekpo remains deeply rooted in his community. He is widely respected for offering scholarships to indigent students in honour of his parents — his mother from Ikot Umiang Ede and his father from Ikot Obio Eka, both in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Through these scholarships, he provides opportunities for young people to pursue education and break the cycle of poverty, demonstrating his belief that knowledge must serve as a tool for empowerment.
Scholarship, Books, and Thought Leadership
As the author of several influential books and countless academic papers, Professor Ekpo’s scholarship spans monetary policy, fiscal federalism, public finance, and development planning. His writings — both academic and public-facing — have been widely cited across Africa and the global South.
Whether analysing Nigeria’s fiscal crises, designing frameworks for subnational governance, or exploring Africa’s role in the global economy, his work remains rooted in stability, sustainability, and human welfare.
Mentor and Nation Builder
Generations of economists, public administrators, and policymakers count Professor Ekpo as a mentor. Many of his protégés now hold influential positions in academia, government, and the private sector — a testament to his impact on economic thought and national development.
His elevation as Professor Emeritus is a fitting recognition of his lifelong commitment to knowledge, leadership, and service. Even in retirement, he continues to contribute to national dialogue, research, and advisory roles, his voice still resonating with authority and insight.
A Legacy of Integrity and Vision
In an era often clouded by partisanship and self-interest, Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo stands tall as a guardian of Nigeria’s intellectual and ethical tradition. His life’s work demonstrates that economics, when truly understood, is about people, dignity, and purpose.
Through teaching, policy work, activism, and philanthropy, he has shown that leadership is measured not merely by power or titles but by the lives uplifted through service.
For Nigeria and Africa, Professor Ekpo remains a shining reminder that intellect and humanity are not mutually exclusive — and that a single mind, guided by integrity and vision, can help shape the destiny of nations.