The University of Calabar in Cross River State, south-south Nigeria, has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three prominent Nigerians at its 38th convocation ceremony for their immense contributions to the development of society.
Those honoured included the governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu; a business mogul, Arthur Eze and a retired naval chief, Rear Admiral Garba Abubakar, while 463 Nigerians bagged the university’s prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Sarkin Kano and Chancellor of the University, Aminu Ado Bayero, described education as a unifying force beyond borders.
The Chancellor noted that, “True wisdom has never recognised the artificial borders we draw; rather, it flows, nourishing every shore it touches.”
He urged the graduates to embody the institution’s motto, stressing that “people will not remember how many degrees you collected, but how wisely you carried them.”
He cautioned against allowing certificates to become burdens that weigh you down while emptying your character.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, said that the university was committed to academic excellence, integrity and innovation.
Professor Offiong, who highlighted ongoing reforms and infrastructure upgrades, stated, “A doctoral degree of the University of Calabar is not any ordinary degree. You have gone through the crucibles and sacrificed options to get to this point.”
He informed the graduates that the institution has implemented a strict policy against irregular admissions and is investing in research and entrepreneurship to close the gap between academia and industry.
According to him, key projects including upgraded lecture theatres, new laboratories, student hostels and an innovation hub equipped with modern technology were aimed at repositioning the university as a centre of academic excellence, innovation, and integrity.
In the same vein, the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Udom Ekpoudom, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to transparency and global competitiveness through partnerships.
Ekpoudom stated, “The future of higher education lies in strong collaborations with government, industry, alumni and the global academic community.”
The university leadership called on the graduates to translate their knowledge into service and national development as well as to sustain investment in infrastructure and collective action to strengthen its position as a leading centre of learning in Nigeria.