In commemoration of its 50th anniversary, the University of Calabar on Thursday evening honored several eminent Nigerians, including Dr. Betta Edu, President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, among others.
They were awarded the Grand Ambassador and Legacy Face of the University and were also permanently inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, Dr. Edu expressed her gratitude to the University’s management for the recognition, describing it as an “incredible honor.” She pledged to continue being a good ambassador of the institution.
She also paid glowing tribute to President Bola Tinubu for his support and fatherly guidance, assuring Nigerians, especially those in the education sector, that there is bright light ahead with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Her words: “Thank you to the University’s esteemed management and staff for this incredible honor. I am truly humbled to receive this award, and I am grateful for the recognition in the Hall of Fame.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to my golden Vice-Chancellor and her team, the Student Union Government, and my lecturers who have always supported me throughout my journey and built the leadership foundation for my public service.
“I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but also a testament to the fact that more responsibilities have been given to me, with far-reaching impact in Nigeria and across the globe.”
Speaking further, Dr. Betta Edu paid special tribute to UNICAL, describing it as “my very powerful University that actually built the leadership skills in me.”
To support the university’s infrastructural projects, she announced that the Class of 2009 of the Medical School would contribute N15 million towards the completion and equipping of the new medical center at the University of Calabar.
“They have asked me to make this pledge on their behalf,” she stated.
Earlier in her welcome address, Professor Obi reflected on UNICAL’s journey, from its early days as a campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to its establishment in 1975 as a full-fledged university. She described the milestone as “50 years of resilience, 50 years of impactful knowledge, and service to humanity.”
“We are very proud to have the Senate President of Nigeria as one of us. We are proud to have the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Governor of Cross River State, ministers, senators, and, indeed, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State,” she said.
“Most importantly, we are very proud of my daughter, Dr. Betta Edu, for always making the University proud,” she added.
