Akpabio, Wike, Arthur Eze, NASS Members storm UNICAL For 50th Anniversary, 37th Convocation
Judex OKORO
The ancient city of Calabar is agog with activities as cream de la cream have arrived the Paradise City for the University of Calabar (UNICAL) 50th anniversary and 37th Convocation ceremony.
Checks by THE BEAGLE NEWS revealed that some of the dignitaries including Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio, and the dear wife Unoma Akpabio, the FCT Minister, Bar. Nyesom Wike, Prince Authur Eze have arrived in Calabar for the epoch-making event.
Some NASS members including Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, other Reps, Senators and distinguished alumni, some business moguls and politicians are in town for the memorable event. Checks further revealed that almost all the hotels in Calabar are fully booked while a few are being accommodated by their friends.
The tourism sector is also witnessing a boost as tour guards from the tourism bureau are busy taking the visitors round some historical sites showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city.
This memorable event will feature the investiture of Emeritus Professor on three 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 was endorsed by the Senate of the institution. The recipients of the awards include 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.
Besides, honorary awards would also be conferred on six deserving Nigerians who have made landmark contributions, shaped the landscape and impacted lives in service to their motherland. They include 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. (rted.) Moses Bisong Obi (D. Peace & Conflict Studies), Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC (D. Laws.) and Prince Arthur I. Eze (D. Bus Mgt)
The 37th Convocation and 50th anniversary of the Institution is a week-long activities that commenced on Monday, March 17, 2025 and will climax on Saturday, March 22, 2025 with award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) and Honourary Causa degrees.
The Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar (UNICAL) Prof. Florence Obi, disclosed during a media briefing held at the Senate Chambers, that there are 13, 610 graduands for the 37th Convocation ceremony. The breakdown, according to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, shows that out of the total of 13,610 students, 181 students are Diplomas, 11,725 for First Degrees, 877 for Masters Degrees, 572vl for Ph.Ds, 249 for PGD and 7 Post-doctoral Diploma in Education.
Further breakdown shows that 66 students have First Class, 3,054 have Second Class Upper Division, 7,450 have Second Class Lower Division, 925 have Third Class and 7 have Pass.
The Vice Chancellor said the University had earlier organised 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, according to her, is unique as the present generation of staff are 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.
Prof Obi further said the Alumni of the University had on March 14, 2025 had a round table interactive session to discuss the 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.
