Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Anne Effiom Ebri Ekong as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s continued pursuit of academic excellence, research innovation, and global engagement.

Dr. Anne Ebri Ekong brings to this role more than three decades of distinguished experience as a clinician, academic, public health expert, development specialist, and advocate for improved eye health across Africa. Her appointment reflects Arthur Jarvis University’s commitment to strengthening leadership with individuals of international stature, proven expertise, and transformative vision.

A Scholar Across Three Continents

Dr. Ebri Ekong’s academic journey spans Africa, Europe, and the United Kingdom. She earned her Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from the University of Benin, Nigeria, followed by a Master’s degree in Community Eye Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London, in 2005. She further advanced her expertise with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, in 2020.

Extensive Professional and Leadership Experience

Dr. Ebri Ekong began her professional career in 1987 at the University Teaching Hospital, Calabar, where she rose to the rank of Chief Optometrist in 2010. Her early work established her as a leader in paediatric optometry, low vision, and community-based public health initiatives.

In 2006, she joined the Brien Holden Vision Institute as a consultant and soon became Sub-Regional Manager for West Africa, a position she held for 15 years. In this capacity, she led development projects, supervised multi-country initiatives, and championed eye care interventions focused on marginalized communities.

Her contributions include conceptualizing and establishing the Dispensing Opticianry programme at the College of Health Technology, Cross River State, which has since graduated eight cohorts of practitioners. She also made significant impact as a lecturer in the Department of Optometry at Abia State University and later as a Senior Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Calabar.

At Arthur Jarvis University, Dr. Ebri Ekong has served as an Associate Professor of Optometry, where she continues to mentor future professionals and contribute to curriculum development, institutional research, and academic leadership.

Global Engagement and Professional Recognition

Dr. Ebri Ekong is a certified trainer for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in low vision and has trained numerous eye care professionals across Africa. She is a member of the IAPB Low Vision Working Group and the World Health Organisation Development Group for the Vision Rehabilitation Intervention Package, contributing her expertise to international health policy and programme development.

Over the course of her career, she has successfully implemented several funded research projects and received international recognition, including awards for her contributions to low vision service development in Nigeria and the prestigious IAPB Eye Health Hero Award (2013).

Her professional affiliations include:

• Fellow, American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
• Fellow, Nigeria College of Optometrists (FNCO)
• Fellow, Nigerian Optometric Association (FNOA)

Leadership Beyond Academia

Dr. Ebri Ekong is also the Chief Executive of Charis Vision and Health Mission, a non-governmental organization she founded in 2021 to advance community health, vision care, and humanitarian outreach.

A New Chapter for Arthur Jarvis University

The appointment of Dr. Anne Ebri Ekong as Deputy Vice Chancellor signals a new era of growth for Arthur Jarvis University. Her global academic exposure, extensive clinical and public health experience, and visionary leadership are expected to significantly strengthen the university’s mission to produce graduates who are globally competitive, ethically grounded, and socially responsible.

The University Founder and Pro-Chancellor, management, staff, and students extend their warmest congratulations to Dr. Anne Ebri Ekong on this historic achievement.