Professor David Eka was born on the 30th of September, 1944 in Ikot Ankit, in Ibono Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He got his First School Leaving Certificate in 1958. After his Secondary Education, he proceeded to Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English in 1974. He then proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, to obtain a Master's Degree in English in 1979 and a Ph.D in English in 1985.

He began his Teaching Career as Lecturer II in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1977-1980. He later left to the Polytechnic, Calabar in Cross River State, Nigeria, where he lectured as Principal Lecturer from 1980-1987.

He became lecturer I as he moved to University of Cross River and lectured from 1987-1988. In 1988, he was appointed Acting Head of Department of English and Lectured as a Senior lecturer in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, until 1994.

He later became an Associate Professor from 1994-1997 in the same University In 1997, Prof. Eka became a full Professor and Head of Department of English in 1997 and was in that position till 2002. He rose to the position on appointment as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from 2000-2002.

He retired in 2009 at the age of 65. Due to his excellent career credentials, he was appointed Head of Department, English in Akwa Ibom State University, on Contract from 2010-2015. He is currently the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Akwa Ibom State University.