By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has announced that Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, will be awarded the prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) honoris causa, as part of the university’s 50th-anniversary celebrations scheduled for March 23, 2025.
The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, made the announcement on Friday 7th February, 2025 when she led the 50th-anniversary Committee on a courtesy visit to the governor.
Professor Obi disclosed that Otu is the first indigenous alumnus of UNICAL to become Governor of Cross River State and also conferred on the Governor the title of the University Ambassador – acknowledging his remarkable contributions to both the university and the state.
Otu, who graduated from UNICAL in 1984, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and reflected on the institution’s transformation over the decades.
“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,” his Chief Press Secretary, Gill Nsa quoted him as saying.
He 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,” he assured.
The 50th-anniversary celebrations will feature a 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 Otu are: Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; and Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Agim
Prof. Obi 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.”
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