…as UNICAL VC names him Ambassador of school

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to initiatives that aim to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector.

Kalu wgo stated this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the University of Calabar (UNICAL), led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, and the Provost of the Postgraduate School, Professor Enyong Ubana, on Monday in Abuja, emphasised the transformative role of education in shaping the nation’s future.

The delegation visited the Deputy Speaker in Abuja to inform him about UNICAL’s upcoming 50th Anniversary and Convocation Lecture, while also announcing his selection as the guest lecturer for the milestone event.

Reflecting on his time as a student at UNICAL, Kalu credited the institution for instilling values of hard work, integrity, patriotism, and a commitment to nation-building.

“As Deputy Speaker, I understand the pivotal role education plays in shaping our country’s future. I am fully committed to supporting initiatives that promote access to quality education. UNICAL, as my alma mater, occupies a special place in my heart for the values it instilled in me,” Kalu said.

He commended the leadership of Professor Florence Obi, one of the few women occupying such a significant academic position, emphasizing his support for greater female representation in leadership.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted his ongoing efforts to inspire academic excellence among UNICAL students through awards he sponsors for outstanding achievements in various legal disciplines, including Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law, and Commercial Law.

Kalu, currently pursuing a doctorate in law at UNICAL, expressed gratitude for the honor of being named an ambassador of the university, vowing to uphold the institution’s legacy and its discipline-driven ethos.

“I’m proud of UNICAL’s transformative impact on my life. The values of hard work, patriotism, and zero tolerance for corruption that I imbibed there continue to guide my leadership today,” he stated.

The Deputy Speaker urged UNICAL to actively contribute to the ongoing constitutional review process by conducting quality research on critical issues like state policing. He also assured the university of his full support for the upcoming anniversary and convocation activities.

Speaking on behalf of the university, Professor Florence Obi described Kalu as a distinguished product of UNICAL, lauding his contributions to legislative development and his positive representation of the university.

“One of our greatest gifts to the nation is Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Today, we officially recognize him as one of our outstanding ambassadors,” Professor Obi remarked.

He therefore reiterated his dedication to collaborate with UNICAL to improve the educational landscape and support the next generation of leaders.