By Solomon OKPO.
UYO, Professor Nyaudoh Ukpabio Ndaeyo, an esteemed academic and visionary leader, continues to leave an indelible mark as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO). A distinguished scholar in Farming Systems Agronomy, Prof. Ndaeyo’s career trajectory is a testament to his dedication to education, research, and institutional leadership.
Born on March 25, 1961, in Calabar, Cross River State, Prof. Ndaeyo hails from Nkari, Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. His academic foundation was laid at Methodist School, Nkari, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1973. He proceeded to St. Columbanus Secondary School, Ikwen, Obot Akara, before earning a Distinction in his Ordinary National Diploma from the Cross River State School of Agriculture, Obubra, in 1986.
His pursuit of academic excellence led him to the University of Cross River State (now UNIUYO), where he graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Agriculture (Agronomy) in 1991. He later obtained his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Agronomy, specializing in Farming Systems, from the University of Ibadan in 1994 and 2000, respectively.
Prof. Ndaeyo began his academic career at UNIUYO in 1992 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Agronomy. Through years of dedication, he climbed the academic ranks, becoming a full Professor in 2010. Over the years, he has taught 30 pre-degree, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses, supervising over 70 undergraduate and 54 graduate students, including doctoral candidates.
His administrative prowess saw him serve in various capacities, including Head of the Department of Crop Science (2005-2009), Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (2005-2006), and a two-term Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (2016-2019). He also served as Chairman of the Committee of Deans before his appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) in 2019. His leadership culminated in his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of UNIUYO in December 2020.
Prof. Ndaeyo’s excellence has earned him numerous awards and distinctions from the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State, academic institutions, research bodies, and religious organizations. He is a Research Fellow of the International Foundation of Science, Sweden, and a Research Associate of the German Agency for Technical Cooperation.
He is also an awardee of the Institute of Industrial Administration in Education Leadership and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. A prolific researcher, he has authored 164 publications in reputable journals, books, and conference proceedings.
Beyond academia, Prof. Ndaeyo is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Crop Science Society of Nigeria, the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, and the Agricultural Society of Nigeria. He has also served as a consultant, technical adviser, editor, and facilitator in various national and international academic and policy engagements.
A devout Christian, Prof. Ndaeyo is married to UduakAbasi, and their union is blessed with children. He enjoys football, gardening, and community development.
As he continues to lead UNIUYO, Prof. Ndaeyo’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation remains a beacon of inspiration in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
