The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has been conferred with a Doctor of Laws (PhD) by the University of Calabar at its 38th Convocation Ceremony, marking another significant academic and personal milestone.

Kalu’s doctoral research was also selected as one of the most outstanding projects, earning a place at the University’s Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge.

It further underscored the academic merit and national relevance of his work.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the PhD graduating class, Kalu reflected on the rigours and rewards of the doctoral journey, describing it as “demanding, humbling, and transformative.”

Quoting Aristotle, he noted that “the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”

The Deputy Speaker highlighted the sacrifices behind every thesis from sleepless nights to intellectual struggles  emphasising that ‘the achievement represents not just academic success, but resilience and dedication.’

He also described the moment as personal, noting that the University of Calabar had shaped his academic journey across multiple stages, having previously earned his LL.B and LL.M degrees from the same institution.

The lawmaker stressed that a PhD is not merely a title but a call to responsibility, urging fellow graduands to ensure their research translates into real-world impact.

Citing Nelson Mandela, he said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

He made reference to the report by the National Bureau of Statistics, which estimates that the number of doctoral degree holders is fewer than 100,000 in a country of over 220 million people.

Kalu said; “this places us within a very narrow community not of privilege alone, but of responsibility, underscoring the burden of thought and the call to intellectual leadership that rests upon them.”

Highlighting his legislative efforts, Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to education through initiatives such as: Federal College of Education, Bende Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende and Federal University, Okigwe.

He noted that these institutions represent long-term investments in Nigeria’s intellectual future, rather than mere political achievements.

Kalu therefore urged fellow PhD holders to become agents of transformation, bridging the gap between knowledge and societal progress.

He expressed appreciation to the University’s Governing Council, Senate
Academic staff and supervisors and the University for recognising his research as one of the most outstanding contributions to knowledge.

Victoria Ibanga

The Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education as the cornerstone of sustainable development, declaring it the most valuable investment for the state’s future.

The Governor made the statement at the 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony of Sule Lamido University, where graduates from six academic sessions 2018/2019 to 2024/2025 were celebrated.

Describing education as the backbone of long-term stability and growth, Namadi emphasised that human capital remains the most critical asset for any society.

He noted that “the convocation marked a historic milestone in the university’s evolution, just over a decade after its establishment.”

The ceremony featured the award of 4,109 bachelor’s degrees and the conferment of honorary doctorates on distinguished personalities, including Umar Faruk II, alongside other notable figures in the humanitarian and development sectors.

Highlighting policy direction, the Governor said that “education has consistently received between 26 and 30 percent of the state’s annual budget.”

According to him, the sustained investment has led to improved infrastructure, enhanced teaching standards, increased student enrolment, and a reduction in out-of-school children across Jigawa.

Namadi also outlined efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education, noting that eight senior secondary schools have been upgraded into centres of excellence equipped with modern teaching tools.

He said that the state is upgrading its College of Remedial and Advanced Studies in Babura to support higher-level technical training in line with national standards.

In a major expansion of higher education, the Governor disclosed that the state government has taken over a private university in Majia, Taura Local Government Area, with plans to convert it into a specialised institution for medical and allied health sciences under a public-private partnership framework.

At Sule Lamido University, several ongoing and completed projects were highlighted, including the establishment of a Faculty of Medicine, new student hostels, staff housing, a sabbatical lodge, a wetland research centre, and a new convocation arena.

Namadi reiterated his vision to elevate the institution to world-class status both nationally and internationally.

The Governor also underscored the importance of the newly established Wetland Research Centre, describing it as a strategic response to environmental challenges, particularly climate change and ecosystem degradation.

Addressing the graduating students, he urged them “to uphold integrity and contribute meaningfully to society, assuring continued government support for research, innovation, and institutional development.”

The event also witnessed the installation of the new Chancellor of the university, further cementing the institution’s growing stature in Nigeria’s academic landscape.

Details of the engagement was contained in a press statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Hamisu Gumel.

Victoria Ibanga