Meet Unical Best Graduating Student 2025, Moses Udofia With a CPGA 4.92
He won the overall Best Graduating Student of the 37th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Calabar and he won a prize of 1 Million Naira.
He’s a graduate of the Department of Accounting.
Congratulations 🎉🎊
The acts of impunity being perpetuated by the councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council under the guise of deep-seated illegality are outrageous and must be condemned unreservedly.
The purported impeachment of Chairman Theresa Ushie by the councillors of Bekwarra Local Government Council, carried out without the slightest regard for due process as outlined in the Cross River State Local Government laws, is scandalous and cannot stand.
The removal of a Chairman is a serious matter, and the law has been designed to ensure fairness and transparency. According to the law, the Chairman must first be furnished with a Notice of Allegation, signed by at least one-third of the councillors. This Notice must be served on the Chairman to inform them of the allegations and provide an opportunity for defense.
Even after the Chairman has defended themselves—or failed to do so—the councillors must secure a two-thirds majority vote to appoint a panel to investigate the allegations. Only if the panel finds the Chairman guilty can the councillors proceed with impeachment.
In this case, however, Chairman Theresa Ushie was never furnished with any Notice of Allegation. Instead, she discovered scurrilous allegations against her on Facebook, accompanied by the shocking claim that she had been impeached.
This is a travesty of justice. All people of goodwill must rise to condemn this kangaroo impeachment of Chairman Theresa Ushie. It is an egregious act of injustice and blackmail, orchestrated by mediocre politicians seeking to intimidate her.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.
The Cross River State Government has formally dissociated itself from the South-South Governors’ Forum’s reservations regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing its full support for the federal government’s decision to restore order amid escalating unrest.
In a press release issued on Thursday by Barr. Fred Abua, Press Secretary to the Acting Governor, the state clarified that Acting Governor Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey was neither consulted nor informed prior to the forum’s public statement criticizing the presidential directive.
The forum, comprising governors from Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, had expressed concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the emergency declaration.
The press release underscored Dr. Odey’s alignment with President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as “a necessary step taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability.” It further stated, “Every responsible government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, and where circumstances necessitates decisive action, such measures must be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity.”
The statement reiterated Cross River State’s commitment to constitutional governance and collaboration with the federal government to address security challenges. It emphasized that the forum’s position “does not reflect the views of the Cross River State Government,” citing the lack of prior consultation as a critical factor.
The press release concluded with a call for unity: “Cross River State remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with Federal Government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.”
Section 130(2) of the same Constitution further defines the President’s role as the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The President possesses significant constitutional authority to address critical situations that threaten the peace and stability of the nation. This authority includes the power to declare a state of emergency, as outlined in Section 305(1), (2), and (3)(a-g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended):
Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the President may by instrument published in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.
(2) The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation, including the details of the emergency, to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the Proclamation.
(3) The President shall have the power to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency only when:
(a) the Federation is at war;
(b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war;
(c) there is an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security;
(d) there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger;
(e) there is an occurrence or imminent danger, or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of the community in the Federation;
(f) there is any other public danger that clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; or
(g) the President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section.
The Emergency Powers (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act 2018 also grants the President certain powers.
A common, although controversial, understanding is that after declaring a state of emergency in a specific area, a logical step might seem to be the suspension of democratic institutions and elected officials in the affected areas. The reasoning behind this is purportedly to facilitate the administration of the emergency measures.
It is often assumed that a state of emergency entails the suspension of the rule of law and the implementation of emergency laws or measures as stipulated in the Emergency Powers (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act. This is done to enable the appropriate and adequate resolution of the issues that triggered the emergency declaration.
However, it’s vital to note that suspending democratic institutions and the rule of law are serious actions with significant legal and ethical implications and must be approached with utmost caution and within constitutional boundaries.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, it’s agent or the organization the author works for.
Text of the Broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, declaring State of Emergency in Rivers state on Tuesday 18 March 2025
Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.
With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.
Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.
On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:
“a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”
The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected
“are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”
The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.
Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.
Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.
Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.
The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.
With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.
In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.
By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.
In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.
The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.
This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.
The Clan Head of Amukwong, Dr. Godwin Ekunke, alongside chiefs, elders, and youths, have formally received the contractor handling the Amukwong bridge construction in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State. This project was facilitated by the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.
Chief Dr. Ekunke assured the contractor of the community’s full support, ensuring the safety of workers, equipment, and materials throughout their stay. He emphasized that no well-meaning member of Alege/Ugbang would sabotage the efforts to alleviate the community’s hardship caused by the bridge’s deplorable condition.
The proposed bridge will serve as a vital link between Amukwong and other communities in Alege/Ugbang, enhancing residents’ access to essential amenities, boosting economic activities, and improving overall quality of life for constituents.
The community expressed gratitude to Senator Jarigbe Agom for his initiative and prompt response. They pledged their support for him and his team, acknowledging the remarkable infrastructural and human capital development in Cross River North Senatorial District.
TEAM JARI MEDIA
We have taken note of Henry Tanya’s article, which attempts to draw comparisons between Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Senator Eteng Jonah Williams. This article is a clear attempt to stir up controversy and create unnecessary tension.
By solely focusing on Senators Eteng and Jarigbe, the author ignores that there are three senators representing Cross River State. This comparison is unfair and designed to drive a wedge between the two senators. It is utterly absurd to compare someone with a decade of experience in the National Assembly, like Senator Jarigbe, to someone with only two years of experience in the Senate.
The intent behind this analysis reeks of bias, and it is wrong to single out one legislator from a group of 11 for such negative focus. Henry’s comparison also overlooks the broader picture of how our state and country are governed. It is inappropriate to bring internal party politics into this, and Sen. Jarigbe wants no part in fueling such divisiveness.
If the focus is on service to the people, then all the lawmakers should be judged fairly based on their collective work and impact, not on divisive narratives. We advise Henry to avoid using Senator Jarigbe ‘s performance index to fuel personal ambitions or incite unnecessary conflicts and the Senator should be excused from the APC’s internal politics.
In conclusion, instead of perpetuating divisive Rhetorics, we should focus on promoting unity and constructive dialogue. The people of Cross River State deserve fair representation, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our leaders are held accountable for their actions, not their party affiliations or personal connections.
TEAM JARI MEDIA
That Viral Youth Corper Who Criticized
There are NYSC bylaws that bar corps members from doing many things, including openly criticizing authorities. The penalties are grave and I will accept that Corps member Ushie Rita uguamaye, faulted the rule book. But I want to tell you why I say she is a victim and I will not have done differently if I were in her shoes.
She is from my place, Obudu, in Cross River State. Her father was an Immigration officer who died in May 2019, after participating in a protest over the demolition of his palm plantation for the Obudu International Airport.
There was a protest by youths and women of Ukambi community over the demolition of their community farmlands for the Obudu International cargo and passenger airport. According to a CrossRiverWatch report, her dad, Mr. Raphael A. Ushie, a Chief Inspector of Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, who was also the younger brother of Governor Ayade’s personal physician, Dr. Vincent Ushie, died after he was rushed from a hospital in Obudu to the Univerisity of Calabar Teaching Hospital UCTH, having participated in the protest.
Her father, who was nearing retirement from the Nigeria Immigration Service had invested his lifetime savings in a palm plantation in his village, Ukambi. On hearing that farmlands in neighboring Atiekpe and Ikwomikwu had been demolished and same was going to commence in Ukambi, he rushed home to confront the bulldozer that was encroaching into his palm plantation.
He arrived and went straight to the farm in his uniform and met the bulldozer nearing his plantation. He faced the operator and tried to prevent him from encroaching into his land before other community members joined him in the farm. He participated fully in the day’s protest and the demolition and collapsed after then. He was rushed to a hospital in Obudu. The matter couldn’t be handled there and he was moved to UCTH in Calabar where he passed on.
Not a single dime was paid to the family as compensation for the palm plantation or for any other other expenses.
Ushie Rita Aguamaye, who is now 24, was 19 years old when the inefficiency of Nigeria took her dad away. Their poor mum was left alone to see them through school and till now, there is no hope that the investment their father hoped to keep for them will be compensated.
And this young girl goes to the market and comes back to complain about what everyone in the country, including the President’s supporters are grumbling about, and some persons are calling for her head?
If you were in her shoes, you live in a country where the system kills your dad for no reason, when you are only 19, your mother suffers to see you through school and when you try to express your frustrations publicly, the same nation that killed your father threatens to kill you too? So where is the freedom of expression?
I think that rather than pushing this young girl into additional complications, well meaning Nigerians should rather sympathize with her ordeal and rise up to support her and the family to regain the missing gaps in their lives.
Yours sincerely,
Citizen Agba Jalingo.
The attached picture is the picture of her late dad.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.
The Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to ensuring the effective functioning of the local government system in compliance with legal provisions.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of a two-day induction and training workshop for Principal Officers, Heads of Departments, and newly employed staff of the Unified Local Government Service, Odey emphasized that the state is set to experience, for the first time, true local government autonomy.
Reiterating the administration’s stance on local government autonomy, Odey stated: “His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, fully supports local government autonomy. During my tenure in the House of Assembly, I voted twice in favor of it because I firmly believe that granting autonomy to local governments as the third tier of government will drive grassroots development.”
He urged participants to maximize the training opportunity by learning from experienced facilitators. He also encouraged senior employees to mentor the newly recruited staff, stressing that the Otu administration remains dedicated to workers’ welfare, capacity development, and the repositioning of the public service.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Darlington Eyo, highlighted that the training aims to equip the new workforce with essential skills, knowledge, and values to enhance their performance as civil servants.
Eyo commended Governor Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Odey for their unwavering commitment to capacity building and career development, noting that despite the state’s financial constraints, significant strides have been made in human capital development.
He further stated that the training, currently taking place in Calabar, had previously been conducted in the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts under the theme “Rejuvenating the Local Government System in Cross River State.”
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Head of Service, Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng, Commissioner for Establishment, Training, and Pension, Mrs. Lawrencia Ita, as well as Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Heads of Departments.
Fred Abua, Esq.,
Press Secretary to the Acting Governor of Cross River State
Gentlemen of the Press,
It gives me great pleasure and joy to have you here again in the University of Calabar. I am profoundly grateful to you for bringing the wielding influence of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to the promotion and advancement of Project Unical. Right from the time that I was ushered into office as Vice Chancellor, you have stood firmly by me and never hesitated to take Unical to the world through your various modes of communication. On this particular occasion, I use this opportunity to appreciate your partnership, understanding, goodwill, concern and availability as veritable stakeholders and partners in progress. I would like this synergy to be sustained till my last day in office, and even beyond. I treasure your valued cooperation and welcome you specially.
Today’s Press Conference is summoned to draw the attention of our various stakeholders and by extension the larger society to the oncoming historical, epochal, and unifying event which we have tagged “ Unical @ 50 and the 37th Convocation Ceremony”, a fusion of two large events for celebration within one week. The event is scheduled to begin from Monday, 17th March, 2025 and will run till Sunday, 23nd March, 2025.
May I remind us that prior to this oncoming ceremony, we held a press conference as a university to intimate the larger society and the world that Unical is 50 years old. The event took place in the Council Chamber of the University on Tuesday, November 19th,2024. The Press Conference was followed with a Colloquium held at the Unical International Conference on February 12, 2025. The theme of the Colloquium was “University of Calabar and Its Contributions to National Development”. The discussants at the memorable event were notably members of the Unical Alumni who took out time to showcase the impact of the University on them, the host communities, the nation and the world. Suffice it to say, that the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, who is here today, moderated the event and many of you participated in it.
After those pre- anniversary activities, the University proceeded to organise a Meritorious Service Award Ceremony for Staff of the institution on March 13, 2025 for those who have served the University creditably over the years and have been part of the institution’s success story and legacy. The awards ceremony was unique as the present generation of staff were excited to see the 6th Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kevin Ogon Eta, and the first Dean of Science, Prof. Ulo Kponuko Enyenihi, among the golden awardees.
On March 14, 2025, the University Community gathered again. This time, the convergence was at the Senate Chamber of the institution. The Alumni of the University gathered for a Round Table Interactive Session to discuss a given theme: “Repositioning the University of Calabar for Greater Output: 2025–2075”. The National President of Unical Alumni, Barr Paul Eshiemomoh; the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof Angela Oyo-Ita; and the erstwhile Registrar of the institution, Ambassador Gabriel Egbe, were the Lead Speakers.
As we gather today, it is my responsibility as the current head of this 50- year old institution to provide essential information as to how the week-long event would run or be held.
Immediately after this Press Conference, we shall be proceeding to the Main Gate of our prestigious university to commence the much awaited “Victory Walk”. As the Vice Chancellor favoured by God to be on the saddle at this time of the celebration, I will lead the way. My Staff, Students and Alumni will be part of the all-embracing exercise round the campus. It is labelled “Victory Walk” because the word ‘victory’ encapsulates our overall successes over the years, triumphs in our academic endeavours and the study arena, repeated multiple triumphs in the local, national and international space as well as the winning mentality which we have cultivated as an institution. That walk is a unifying initiative symbolic of our togetherness, strength and resilience over the years.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, an Inter-Denominational Service would be held at the Unical International Conference Centre at 10am prompt. It has been our tradition over the years to collectively place God first in all our endeavours. A Servant of God, Rev Fr. Dr. Evaristus Bassey would be sharing insights from God’s Word with us on the topic “Our Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Rom 5:5). We are giving an open invitation to all who intend to share with us God’s abundant blessings. Come, let’s collectively seek the face of God for guidance and success.
After the Service, focus will shift to the Open Pavilion, opposite the Medical Centre where the 2025 Convocation Research Fair and Exhibition would be flagged off by 11am. The Research Fair has been an integral part of our convocations, intended to showcase the rich academic and creative potentials of our University. Our various Faculties, Departments and Directorates will be on parade. At 50, we have so much to showcase. Investors, captains of industries, business moguls, bank executives and entrepreneurs would be there to see what we have and what will be of immense concern to them.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 is a day largely and essentially devoted to the promotion of Alumni activities. The meeting of Convocation (Alumni) will kick-start the day’s activities. It is a meeting strictly for every alumnus of the University of Calabar. The National President of Unical Alumni, Barr Paul Eshiemomoh is expected to preside over affairs. This meeting begins by 9am.
At 11am, Alumni Reunion Activities (Unical @ 50) would take the centre stage at the students’ domain which has been named “Malabor Republic” over the years. We expect massive influx of Unical Alumni, Malabites and Malabresses into their most primary constituency, Malabor. They would be expected to engage the students and interact extensively with them. It is indeed a reunion, a time of seeing old colleagues and re-igniting the old and wonderful times when they were here as students. This event is undoubtedly one of the key highlights in the Unical @ 50 celebration. We are calling on all our alumni at home and abroad to take this seriously by being part of this momentous renewal and reaffirmation of the Malabitic Spirit.
By 4pm, the curtain for the Research Fair and Exhibition would be drawn with the presentation of prizes at its closing ceremony.
Thursday, March 20, 2025 offers us a day loaded with pivotal activities.
The first event for the day is the 50th Anniversary and Convocation Lecture. This lecture would be delivered by one of our chosen University Ambassadors, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. He would be speaking on the topic, “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human Centred Education, the Mandate of our University, 2025-2075”.
The lecture would commence from 11am prompt. The venue for the event is the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), Summit Hills, Calabar.
The event would be chaired by the former Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lafia, and Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), and also the immediate past and first female President of the Nigeria Academy Of Science, Professor Ekanem Ikpi Braide.
Still at the same venue, another pivotal ceremony would commence at 2pm prompt. It is: “Awards and Fund Raising”.
This administration under my leadership has in the course of the last four years in every convocation given awards to deserving Staff of the University of Calabar to appreciate their service to the institution.
An added dimension to the award category this year would be the presentation of awards to some notable alumni of the University of Calabar and a few outside the University who have distinguished themselves in their service to mankind.
We also intend to use the occasion to raise funds to improve and respond to the infrastructural demands of our institution, coming on the heels of demographic and curricular expansion. We need to get ready for NUGA 2026. The institution needs a better and sophisticated Medical Centre. The University is developing very fast with a steep increase in student population. More classrooms, teaching and learning facilities and hostels are needed; and the sprawling University Library Building is need of structural rehabilitation.
A Command Performance at 6pm would round-off the events for the day.
Friday, March 21, 2025 is the day set aside for the Award of Masters, First Degrees & Diplomas/Induction into Unical Alumni.
The event is slated for 11am at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, University of Calabar.
A total of 13,610 students are expected to be part of this convocation ceremony. A breakdown shows that the Diplomas students are 181 in number, First Degrees 11,725, Masters Degrees 876, PhD 572, PGD 249 and Postdoctoral Diploma in Education 7. Further breakdown shows 66 First Class, 3,054 Second Class Upper Division, 7,450 Second Class Lower Division, 925 Third Class and 7 Pass.
As expected, we shall be awarding degrees to those who have been found worthy in character and learning. The event would be marked by formal induction into the Unical Alumni.
Prior to this event, would be the Commissioning of Projects.
Some projects would be commissioned by 9am. The projects billed for commissioning are:
i. Unical Hall of Fame and Multipurpose Auditorium
ii. The College of Education Complex
iii. Fire Service Station/Fire-Fighting Truck
iv. Pharmaceutical and Medical Pharmacy Building and
v. Faculty of Pharmacy Administrative Building
The last event for the day is the Graduate School Dinner for Ph.D. Graduands with their Supervisors.
This commendable initiative of Management and the College of Postgraduate Studies began at the 36th Convocation in 2024, where it was first observed. It is a platform for appreciation of mentorship, interaction and renewal as well as merriment. It is billed for 6pm at the Cross River Community Hall in the University of Calabar.
Saturday, March 22, 2025 is the last day of the Convocation. It is the day billed for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degrees, Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa), Investiture of Emeritus Professors and Induction into Unical Alumni
….… number of students drawn from various departments and disciplines are expected to convoke at the event. As an institution, we will continue to produce sound and globally competitive Ph.D. graduands, with the fervent hope that the knowledge, wisdom and confidence they have gained will positively impact and transform society.
This memorable event, which is the last under my administration as the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, will also feature the investiture of Emeritus Professor on 3 highly acclaimed professors of the University of Calabar, whose intellectual contributions to their disciplines and the institution are widely acknowledged. The decision to accord them this special recognition has been endorsed by the Senate of the institution. The recipients of the award are: Prof Ekanem Ikpi Braide of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Prof Eme Effiom Osim of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Prof Chris Nwamuo of the Faculty of Arts.
Aside the Emeritus Professorship, Honorary Awards would also be conferred on 6 deserving Nigerians who have made landmark contributions, shaped the landscape and impacted lives in service to their motherland.
The list include the following:
Mrs Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio (D.Educ Mgt)
H.E. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (D. Pol.Sc)
H.E. Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu (D. Pol Sc)
Maj. Gen. (rtd.) Moses Bisong Obi (D. Peace & Conflict Studies)
Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC (D. Laws.)
Prince Arthur I. Eze (D. Bus Mgt)
The Convocation event would commence from 11am prompt at the Unical International Conference Centre.
Sunday, March 23, 2025
The 50th Anniversary/Convocation would come to a close with a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Parish, University of Calabar on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 9am prompt.
We would be going back to church to render our gratitude to God for seeing us through the entire events.
I thank you all for your presence and precious time which mean your willingness to give this event the wider publicity that it deserves.
God bless you all.
Prof. Florence Banku Obi
11th and Golden Jubilee Vice Chancellor
University of Calabar
17th March, 2025.