Joe Essien graduated from the prestigious art school of Auchi Polytechnic in Edo state majoring in painting (HND) 1996/97. Highly decorated with numerous awards to showcase his proficiency in his scholastic pursuits, he proceeded for his mandatory national youth service in 1997 and successfully served with NYSC DHQ in Abuja and on his completion of service, he has been in full studio practice till date with numerous exhibitions and commissions to his credits.