By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has added another academic feather to his cap after being awarded a Doctor of Laws (PhD) by the University of Calabar at its 38th Convocation Ceremony.
The milestone was further amplified by the recognition of his doctoral research, which was ranked among the institution’s most outstanding works and featured at its Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge, highlighting both its academic depth and wider relevance. 
Speaking on behalf of the graduating PhD class, Kalu reflected on the journey to the top of academia, describing it as “demanding, humbling, and transformative.”
Drawing on classical wisdom, he added, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
He spoke candidly about the effort behind the achievement, pointing to long nights, intellectual hurdles and the persistence required to complete such a rigorous programme.
For him, the moment carried added significance, given his long-standing ties to the University of Calabar, where he had earlier obtained both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in law.
The recognition marks not just an academic accomplishment, but a testament to endurance, discipline and a continued commitment to scholarship.
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.
This, Kalu said 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.
He therefore urged fellow PhD holders to become agents of transformation, bridging the gap between knowledge and societal progress.
Kalu expressed appreciation to the University’s Governing Council, Senate Academic staff and supervisors and the University for recognizing his research as one of the most outstanding contributions to knowledge.
