Inih Ebong, UniUyo lecturer fired over anti-corruption stance, dies at 73

Inih Ebong, an associate professor of theatre arts, who was sacked by the University of Uyo (UniUyo) in 2002, has passed away at 73.

Premium Times reports that Ebong died in the early hours of Wednesday.

It was said that Uduak, Ebong’s wife, announced the death to the public around 7 am.

Uduak recounted that her husband was awake until late into the night, engaging her in conversation while she urged him to rest.

She eventually drifted off to sleep, only to awaken and find him unresponsive.

In 2002, UniUyo dismissed Ebong for his criticism of alleged corruption and mismanagement by the institution’s leadership.

The university issued a disclaimer against him in a national newspaper.

Despite multiple court victories, including an appeal court ruling in December of the previous year, five successive vice-chancellors failed to reinstate Ebong or pay his accrued salary and other entitlements.

Left jobless for over two decades, Ebong struggled to provide for his family and manage his health.

Diagnosed with cardiac failure in October 2020, Ebong’s prognosis was grim until Femi Otedola, the philanthropist, funded his treatment.

Initially treated at a private hospital in Uyo, he showed signs of recovery before suffering a relapse in February.

His swollen feet suggested possible kidney issues, leading to his transfer to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in March on the recommendation of his private doctor.

In 2020, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong said Ebong must get justice for the unjust dismissal in his lifetime.

Originally from Ibiono Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom, the late Ebong completed his secondary education at Etinan Institute.

He earned his first degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Birmingham in the UK.