… as Deputy Speaker assures the UNICAL of strong Collaboration, improve Government Presence
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong has commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt..Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his remarkable contributions to national development, community advancement, and legislative excellence.
Prof. Offiong gave the commendation at the Vice Chancellor’s conference room during an engagement with the Deputy Speaker, who was in the institution for some personal business including his Doctoral thesis defence.
He expressed profound satisfaction with the Deputy Speaker’s achievements in the National Assembly, noting that his record of service continues to inspire students across the University.
“We are indeed very happy and pleased with your landmark achievements in the House of Representatives and your efforts in advancing communities across the country not just your immediate constituency but Nigeria at large,” the VC said.
“Your contributions in the National Assembly are attributes we use to showcase to our students: that you are trained not only for academic excellence but to serve our country.”
The Varsity administrator reiterated that UNICAL looks forward to welcoming the Deputy Speaker at the next convocation ceremony.
“It is an honour for me to congratulate you and to have the privilege of robing you during the conferment of your Doctor of Philosophy. You obtained your LL.B and Master of Laws here, and this shows your confidence in the University of Calabar. You are not just an ambassador. You are a very proud ambassador of this great institution.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu expressed gratitude for the institution’s support throughout his academic journey noting that he was trained and supervised by best hands..
“It is a thing of delight to be here. I am here for my PhD thesis defence, and I sincerely thank you for the support and encouragement,” he said. “The external examiner was thorough, and the Postgraduate School, my supervisor, and the lecturers did a remarkable job. I am proud of what I have achieved. It took sacrifice, discipline, diligence, and consistency.”
He praised the quality of education at UNICAL, stating that the University remains a strong foundation for excellence.
“In the past we were equipped to face the world, and I know it is still the same today. One thing the University of Calabar will always do is hand you the keys to opportunities. It opens doors, but it is up to you to decide whether to walk in or remain outside.”
He underlined that he chose to remain engaged with the University and its values while emphasizing the originality and importance of his doctoral research adding that the practical value of his research is already being recognized nationally.
“As for me, I didn’t want to stay out. I wanted to be involved and here I am. Today, I am confidently displaying what this citadel of learning impacted in me, showing the world that homegrown professionals have a lot to offer. I have studied around the world, but I chose home for my PhD because home is where the heart is, and whatever touches home touches the heart.”
According to the lawmaker , ” My Ph.D thesis examines the gaps in legislation around counter-terrorism: the ethical concerns, human rights gaps, the challenges, and how emerging democracies can learn from these realities,” he explained.
He described the University of Calabar as an impactful platform maintaining that education is not just about theory but that it involves practicals as well.
According to him, the knowledge produced here is being used in Parliament today.
This is even as he expressed his firm commitment to supporting the administration, noting that the University’s influence extends beyond academics into national policy and governance.
“Vice Chancellor sir, you are worthy to sit here as Vice-Chancellor, and we will support you to succeed. We supported your predecessor, and we will support you as well. Alma mater is a place we must be proud of, and alumni should rally around their University.
