Governor Bassey Otu (Centre), UNICAL VC, Prof. Florence Obi (3rd from L) with members of the 50th-anniversary committee during the courtesy visit.
By Anietie Akpan
The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has lauded the visionary leadership of the Cross River state Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, saying he is positioning Cross River as a model for progress and development.
In view of this and others, she announced that the University will confer on Governor Otu, the prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) honoris causa as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations scheduled for March 23, 2025.
A press release dated February 7, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Comrade Nsa Gill, said the University’s Vice Chancellor made the announcement on Friday when she led the university’s 50th-anniversary committee on a courtesy visit to the governor.
Prof. Obi commended Governor Otu’s leadership, describing his tenure as one marked by bold and transformative steps aimed at positioning Cross River State as a model for progress and development.
“Your Excellency, you are the first indigenous governor of Cross River State who is an alumnus of this university, and we are incredibly proud of you. This is just your second year in office, yet your impact is already visible. We are confident that by the time you are done, the state will be completely transformed,” she stated.
She also highlighted a historic milestone—Governor Otu is the first indigenous alumnus of UNICAL to become Governor of Cross River State.
During the visit, Prof. Obi conferred upon Governor Otu the title of University Ambassador, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to both the university and the state.
The conferment of an honorary doctorate on Governor Otu is a testament to his distinguished service, leadership, and contributions to society, cementing his legacy both in Cross River State and beyond
Governor Otu, who graduated from UNICAL in 1984, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and reflected on the institution’s transformation over the decades.
“To think that UNICAL will be celebrating 50 years in March nearly took me aback. I left the school in 1984, and when I see the number of years that have passed, I realize how much the university has grown. It is truly worth celebrating,” Otu remarked.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the university, pledging to work closely with the institution to ensure its continued growth and excellence.
“As a government, I don’t think there’s anything you call on us to do that we won’t show up for. We will always make sure that we have the best university,” he assured.
The 50th-anniversary celebrations will feature a series of events, including a keynote lecture by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on March 20. The festivities will also include a fundraising and awards night, culminating in the formal conferment of honorary degrees on distinguished alumni on March 23.
Among those to be honoured alongside Governor Otu are: Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; and Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Agim.
