All is now set for the conferment of an honorary award on some deserving Nigerians including Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio; wife of Nigeria’s senate president among others, by the management of the University of Calabar, during her forthcoming 37th convocation ceremony.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi, revealed this at a media briefing to mark the institution’s 50th anniversary and 37th convocation ceremony, yesterday in Calabar.
Other recipients of the award include the honorable minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, governor of Cross River state, Prince Bassey Edet Ot u, General Moses Bisong Obi (Rtd.) and more.
National Compass reports that 13,610 students are expected to be part of the convocation ceremony comprising the award of first degrees/diplomas/induction into UNICAL Alumni as well as the award of postgraduate/honorary degress, investiture of emeritus Prof/induction into UNICAL Alumni, scheduled for Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, respectively.
“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 37thCeremony”, 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.
“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 three (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 six (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 VC’s address read in part.
According to Mrs. Obi, prior to this event, as part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary celebration, some iconic projects would be commissioned on campus within the week.
Among the listed projects are: UNICAL Hall of fame and multipurpose auditorium, the College of education complex, Fire Service Station/Fire-fighting truck, Pharmaceutical and medical pharmacy building and the Faculty of Pharmacy administrative building.
