Kalu Assures UNICAL of Greater Collaboration, as VC Commends His National Impact
By Benjamin GBOR
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has lauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his significant contributions to national development and legislative excellence.
Prof. Offiong made the remarks during a meeting with Kalu at the Vice Chancellor’s conference room. The Deputy Speaker was visiting the University for personal matters, including the defence of his Doctoral thesis.
Highlighting Kalu’s impact in the National Assembly, the Vice-Chancellor said the lawmaker’s achievements serve as an inspiration for students.
“We are delighted with your remarkable accomplishments in the House of Representatives and your dedication to improving communities across Nigeria,” Prof. Offiong stated.
“Your example shows our students that academic training goes hand in hand with serving the nation.”
Prof. Offiong also congratulated Kalu on his academic journey and expressed anticipation for his participation in the next UNICAL convocation.
“It is an honour to robe you during the conferment of your Doctor of Philosophy. You earned your LL.B and Master of Laws here, reflecting your confidence in this institution. You are not just an ambassador; you are a proud representative of UNICAL,” the Vice-Chancellor added.
In response, Kalu thanked the University for its support throughout his academic career.
“It is a pleasure to return to UNICAL for my PhD thesis defence. I am grateful for the guidance and encouragement from my supervisor, the lecturers, and the Postgraduate School. Their support was critical to this achievement, which demanded sacrifice, discipline, and diligence,” he said.
Kalu praised UNICAL for its consistent standard of excellence, saying it equips students to take on global challenges.
“The University hands you the keys to opportunities, but it is up to you to decide whether to walk through them,” he noted.
On choosing UNICAL for his doctoral research, Kalu explained that he wanted to remain connected to his alma mater. He said his thesis, which examines gaps in counter-terrorism legislation including ethical and human rights concerns, is already gaining national recognition.
“I wanted to be involved at home, and here I am, showing that homegrown professionals have much to offer. Home is where the heart is, and this University gave me the foundation to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker further emphasized the practical value of UNICAL’s education, noting that the knowledge acquired at the University is being applied in legislative processes today.
Kalu also pledged continued support for the University’s administration.
“Vice Chancellor, you are deserving of this office, and we will support your leadership. Alumni should always rally around their University,” he said.
