UNICAL at 50: 60 Class of ‘98 Lawyers to Accompany Deputy Speaker Kalu for Convocation Lecture
The city of Calabar, capital of Cross River State, is set to witness a historic gathering as the University of Calabar (UNICAL) marks its 50th anniversary with a grand convocation ceremony. Among the highlights of the celebration will be a lecture delivered by a distinguished alumnus, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Kalu, an esteemed member of UNICAL’s Class of 1998, Faculty of Law, will serve as the 50th Anniversary Convocation Guest Lecturer. His lecture, titled “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centered Education – The Mandate of Our Universities (2025–2075),” is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025.
In a remarkable show of unity and solidarity, 60 members of the Class of 1998, popularly known as ‘The Golden Ones’, will accompany Kalu to the event. This elite group has produced some of Nigeria’s finest legal minds, including Justices, Attorneys-General, Federal Directors, industry leaders, and other notable professionals across the globe.
It is rare for a group of classmates to maintain such a strong bond 27 years after graduation, but the Class of ‘98 has continued to distinguish itself. Their decision to rally behind Kalu as he delivers this prestigious lecture underscores his leadership, integrity, and longstanding impact on both his alma mater and the nation at large.
Kalu’s journey as a student leader at UNICAL foreshadowed his rise to national prominence. While at the university, he served in various capacities, including: Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Inner Temple Chambers, Faculty of Law; Secretary-General, Electoral Council of the Faculty of Law; Representative, Student Union Government; Coordinator, Men’s Network of the Christian Union; Chairman, Financial Committee of the Joint Christian Council Fellowship.
Nicknamed ‘The Big Ben,’ ‘Uncle Ben,’ or ‘Brother Ben’ by his peers, Kalu remains highly respected within the university community. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including The Most Distinguished Alumni of the Faculty of Law and Most Distinguished Ambassador of UNICAL.
The presence of Kalu’s classmates at this milestone event is not just about celebrating his achievements—it is also an opportunity for the Golden Ones to reconnect and give back to their alma mater. Their itinerary from March 19 to 21, 2025, includes: A courtesy visit to the Governor of Cross River State; An engagement with the Vice-Chancellor and the University Senate; Attending a lecture in one of their old classrooms; Annual General Meeting (AGM); A football match and alumni walk across campus; A special dinner and networking event to reminisce on their student days.
Additionally, they will inspect the site of the Benjamin Okezie Kalu Convocation Arena, a legacy project the Deputy Speaker is donating to the university.
Beyond the Class of ‘98, Honorable members of the House of Representatives from all six geopolitical zones have also expressed interest in accompanying Kalu to the event. With such a distinguished lineup of attendees, Calabar will undoubtedly be a hub of intellectual discourse and camaraderie during the anniversary celebration.
SOURCE: THISDAY
