By Nseobong Okon-Ekong
Professor Dominic Ekpo stands at the intersection of scientific innovation, academic leadership, and community development. As a Professor of Engineering with a specialization in Energy and Power at the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), he has built a distinguished career founded on research, problem-solving, and a deep commitment to society. His current role as the Dean of Student Affairs underscores his passion for mentoring young people and shaping the next generation of thinkers and leaders.
Engineering Expertise Rooted in Practical Solutions
What sets Professor Ekpo apart is his dedication to engineering solutions that respond directly to local needs. Working with like-minded colleagues, he led a research and fabrication project that produced a cassava starch extraction machine with a rare quadruple-action capability. Unlike many locally manufactured processing machines—which lack integrated systems for starch extraction—this innovative machine performs grating, washing, sieving, and separation in a single workflow.
The motivation behind the study was clear: cassava processors in rural and semi-urban communities often rely on labour-intensive manual pressing, a method that is slow, inefficient, and sometimes unhygienic. By addressing this gap, Professor Ekpo and his team contributed a technology that enhances productivity, reduces drudgery—especially for women who dominate the cassava-processing value chain—and expands economic opportunity. The machine represents a forward-looking approach to agricultural mechanization that aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of improving food processing, reducing post-harvest losses, and supporting agro-industrial growth.
Dean, Mentor, and Champion of Youth Development
Beyond the workshop and laboratory, Professor Ekpo’s influence radiates across the student community. As Dean of Student Affairs at AKSU, he is recognized as a steady presence—firm but approachable, disciplined yet deeply supportive of student growth.
His leadership philosophy is anchored on three pillars:
1. Empowering students with values and knowledge
2. Encouraging innovation and problem-solving
3. Providing a nurturing environment for academic and personal development
Whether through student mentorship, conflict resolution, or creating programmes that support academic excellence and character development, he has earned a reputation for being an administrator who genuinely listens and acts.
Rooted in Community: A Passion for Development
Although his academic life is prominent, Professor Ekpo’s sense of duty extends far beyond the university gates. He is an active contributor to youth and community development initiatives in his hometown, Ikot Ibok, and across the Etinan Local Government Area. He champions educational support programmes, youth empowerment activities, and community-based development strategies that encourage young people to see education, skills, and innovation as pathways to progress.
His involvement in community development is driven by a belief that knowledge should serve society. Whether he is engaging traditional institutions, local youth groups, or faith-based communities, Professor Ekpo consistently seeks avenues to uplift others.
Visionary Bridging Engineering and Humanity
Professor Dominic Ekpo represents the kind of academic whose work transcends classrooms, journals, and laboratories. His innovations in engineering reflect his technical brilliance and responsiveness to societal challenges. His leadership in student affairs showcases a heart committed to discipline, growth, and opportunities for young people. His contributions to Ikot Ibok and Etinan illustrate his unwavering dedication to giving back.
In an era where universities must prepare students for a dynamic and demanding world, and where communities need solutions grounded in science and empathy, personalities like Professor Ekpo stand out as models of what it means to combine intellect with service. He embodies the role of the modern scholar—innovator, mentor, leader, and community builder.