At 50th Anniversary, UNICAL To Honour C’River Gov
Edith CHUKU
As part of activities to mark its 50th anniversary celebrations on March 23, 2025, the University of Calabar UNICAL, will be awarding the Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, with the prestigious Doctor of Philosophy PhD, honoris causa.
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, explained that the conferment of the award on Otu would be a testament to the governor’s distinguished service, leadership, and contributions to society, cementing his legacy both in Cross River State and beyond.
Obi stated this on Friday when she led the university’s 50th-anniversary committee on a courtesy visit to the governor.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Nsa Gill, the VC said it was a historic milestone that Otu is the first indigenous alumnus of UNICAL to become the governor of the state.
During the visit, the UNICAL VC conferred upon the governor the title of University Ambassador, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to both the university and the state.
Obi further commended Otu’s leadership, describing his tenure as one marked by bold and transformative steps aimed at positioning Cross River State as a model for progress and development.
“Your Excellency, you are the first indigenous governor of Cross River State who is an alumnus of this university, and we are incredibly proud of you. This is just your second year in office, yet your impact is already visible. We are confident that by the time you are done, the state will be completely transformed.”
Otu, who graduated from UNICAL in 1984, expressed appreciation for the recognition and reflected on the institution’s transformation over the decades.
He said, “to think that UNICAL will be celebrating 50 years in March nearly took me aback.
“I left the school in 1984, and when I see the number of years that have passed, I realize how much the university has grown. It is truly worth celebrating.”
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the university, pledging to work closely with the institution to ensure its continued growth and excellence.
“As a government, I don’t think there’s anything you call on us to do that we won’t show up for. We will always make sure that we have the best university.”
The 50th-anniversary celebrations will feature series of events, including a keynote lecture by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on March 20. The festivities will also include a fundraising and awards night, culminating in the formal conferment of honorary degrees on distinguished alumni on March 23.
Among those to be honored alongside the governor are: Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; and Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Agim
