Seven Distinguished Professors are set to address a National Dialogue on the State of the Nigerian Economy on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Multipurpose Hall of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The event, convened by the Prof Akpan Ekpo Centre for Public Policy, is being held to mark the 72nd birthday of economist and public policy scholar Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo, who will also deliver the keynote address.

Six other professors will examine distinct aspects of the Nigerian economy. Professor Chikanele Asuru will address Monetary and Physical Issues, Labour Market Performance, Poverty, and Inequality from 2015 to date, while Professor Emmanuel Onwioduokit will focus on Nigeria's debt profile and management over the same period.

Professor Trenchard O. Ibia will speak on Food Security and the State of Agriculture, and Professor Isongesit Solomon will examine Livestock in the Agricultural Sector. Professor Etim Frank will assess Governance and Growth Trajectory since 2015, with Professor Ndubuisi Nwokoma rounding off the academic discussions with a Review of Manufacturing and Industrial Output from 2015 to Date.

The University of Uyo Vice Chancellor, Professor Christopher N. Ekong, will chair the event, with Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Professor Enobong Ikpeme, also expected to deliver brief remarks alongside Centre Chairman Dr Effiong E. Inyang.

The event will also feature the presentation of a 145 page book authored by the birthday celebrant, titled "Misunderstanding With the Academic Staff Union of Universities as VC University of Uyo, Including Current Challenges", published by the University of Lagos Press.

Ekpo, born on June 26, 1954, is a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo and was appointed Emeritus Professor of the institution on September 25, 2024. He previously served as Director General of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management from May 2009 to December 2018 and as pioneer Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom University of Technology. He also held a directorate position at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

A Howard University graduate who earned his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in 1983, Ekpo has over 160 publications and has presented papers at more than 90 national and international conferences. He currently chairs the Foundation for Economic Research and Training in Lagos.

The birthday celebration will conclude with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at The External House of Glory Church, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.