Etefia E. Ekanem holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree (LLB), with Second Class Upper Division (1998), and a Master of Laws (LLM) (2008) of the University of Uyo. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Commercial and Property Law (Consumer Protection Law) of the University of Nigeria (2013). Prof. Ekanem attended the Nigerian Law School Abuja in 1990/2000 and was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2000. He is a Chartered Mediator and Conciliator (ChMC) and a Marshal of Exam Ethics International. Prof. Ekanem is a government Scholar (State and Local Government), and ETF (now PTDF), and has earned several awards and commendations; between 20201 and 2022, Prof. Ekanem earned the commendation and appreciation of the Vice-Chancellor of University of Uyo for effective, efficient and dedicated service to the University.

He has been a Visiting Scholar to Crescent University Abeokuta, National Open University of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden. He has taught for about two decades, and he teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate Law courses, including Commercial Law, Law of Commercial Transactions and Consumer Protection, Law of Labour Relations, Maritime Law, and Family Law. He is also a co-facilitator of Global Conversations between University of Uyo, Nigeria and DePaul University, Chicago, USA.

Prof. Ekanem is widely published and has attended, presented papers and been the lead speaker at several conferences and fora. Prof. Ekanem, commonly known as the Doyen of Consumer Protection Law in University of Uyo, has not fewer than thirty widely research works published in reputable local and foreign outlets, one of which is his book, Law of Consumer Protection and Hospitality Services in Nigeria.