Inih Ebong, an associate professor of theatre arts dismissed 24 years ago by the University of Uyo, UNIUYO, has passed on at 73.
Ebong died in the early hours of Wednesday, April 16, at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State. His wife, Uduak, said he had been talking from his sickbed late into the night. She later discovered he was lifeless and called the nurses, who confirmed his death.
“He is gone,” she said tearfully in a brief chat with PREMIUM TIMES.
Ebong’s troubles began in 2002 when UniUyo terminated his appointment after he repeatedly criticised the university’s leadership over alleged corruption and maladministration. The university followed up the dismissal with a national disclaimer, effectively blacklisting him from securing employment elsewhere.
Despite multiple court rulings in his favour — including a final decision by the Court of Appeal in December 2024 — the institution failed to reinstate him or pay his entitlements.
The prolonged unemployment plunged the scholar into poverty, affecting his ability to care for his family or access adequate medical treatment.
Diagnosed with cardiac failure in 2020, his condition worsened until businessman and philanthropist Femi Otedola stepped in to fund his treatment following a news report on his plight.
READ ALSO: UNIZIK expels student for assaulting lecturer
Ebong showed signs of improvement after receiving care at a private hospital, but his health declined again in February 2025.
He was admitted to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in March following a referral due to swollen feet, raising concerns of kidney complications.
Three days before his death, Ebong expressed frustration to a reporter: “I have stayed here too long. It’s as if I am in prison. I want to go home.”
Born in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, he attended Etinan Institute before earning his first degree at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and completing postgraduate studies at the University of Birmingham, UK.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong had warned in 2020 that if Ebong died without justice, his blood would be on UniUyo’s leadership.
The Conclave
