UNICAL To Award GEJ Honorary Doctorate Degree At Its 35th Convocation Ceremony

By CrossRiverWatch Admin

The leadership of the University of Calabar has informed former President Goodluck Jonathan of its intention to award him an honorary doctorate degree during its 35th convocation ceremony slated for later in the year.

An honorary doctorate degree is an academic degree for which a university has waived all the usual requirements. It is also known by the Latin phrases honoris causa or ad honorem.

The Vice Chancellor of the Varsity, Professor Florence Obi, disclosed the institution’s decision when she paid a courtesy visit to the former president, where she hailed his effort in uplifting the standard of education in the country.

Mr. Jonathan served as Nigeria’s 14th Head of State. He was President from 2010 to 2015. Prior to that, he served as Vice President from 2007 to 2010 and was Governor of Bayelsa from 2005 to 2007.

Obi described Mr. Jonathan as a humble gentleman who places Nigeria above any other personal consideration. Referring to him as a unifying factor in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large, she cited the call he put across to his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, which, according to her, accounted for the relative peace and brotherhood that the nation is enjoying today.

To this end, she said the Governing Council, Senate, and Management have found in him a man worthy in all ramifications for the award of an Honorary Doctorate Degree of the Institution.

President Jonathan, in his remark, expressed appreciation to the Varsity. He said, though he had cause to turn down similar offers, his love for the institution leaves him with no other option but to graciously accept the offer from the University of Calabar with humility.

The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied on the eventful visit by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, and the Registrar, Amb. Jammy Egbe. Others include two members of the University Governing Council, Hon. Vincent Ogbuagu and Prof. (Mrs) Eno Grace Nta, as well as, the University’s Alumni Relations Officer, Dr Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe.