The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Florence Obi, has disclosed that the institution would confer on Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, the minister of the federal capital territory, Nyesom Wike and four others, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) honoris causa degree to mark its 50th anniversary
Prof. Obi, who said this in Calabar, Monday, during a press briefing to formally kick-start weeklong activities for the 37th convocation of the institution, said the award of the honorary degree would take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
She said the recipients of the award had “made landmarks contributions, shaped the landscape and impacted lives in service to their motherland,” and that Bassey Otu was the first alumnus of the institution to become governor of Cross River state.
The VC further disclosed that other recipients of the honorary degree are the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Ekaete Unoma Akpabio, Maj Gen Moses Bissong (rtd), Hon Justice Emmanuel Agim and Prince Arthur Eze.
According the first female VC of UniCal, Friday is set aside for the Award of Masters, First Degree and Diplomas, adding that a total of 13, 610 graduands would take part in the exercise and that 66 of them had first class, 3,054 had Second Class Upper division, 7450 second class lower division while 925 had third class.
Prof Obi lamented that UniCal receives a paltry N13 million monthly subvention from the federal government to carter for personnel emoluments, while the institution is left cap in hand to source for extra funds to manage its administrative overhead cost.
In order to meet its ever-increasing financial expectations, the VC said UniCal had to resort to setting up long distance learning programme, but noted that despite challenges, UniCal has recorded significant milestones under her watch.
The 11th Vice Chancellor of the University said projects such as UniCal Hall of Fame and multipurpose auditorium; The College of Education Complex, Fire Service station/fire service trucks, pharmaceutical and medical pharmacy building amongst others would be commissioned during the period.