The University of Calabar (Unical) has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on several distinguished Nigerians, including the wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Akpabio, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Mrs. Akpabio received an honorary doctorate in Education Management, while Wike was awarded a Doctor of Law degree. The ceremony, which took place at the university’s main campus in Calabar, was part of events marking its golden jubilee.
Other recipients included retired Major General Moses Bisong Obi, who was honored with a Doctorate in Peace and Conflict Studies, and Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Obi, who was awarded a Doctor of Law.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Akpabio expressed gratitude to the institution for recognizing her contributions. “I am happy to be honoured with this award from the prestigious University of Calabar that I have heard so much about from my dear husband, an alumnus of this great institution,” she said.
She also pledged to collaborate with other awardees, particularly the FCT Minister, to support infrastructural development at the university.
The university acknowledged Mrs. Akpabio’s contributions to philanthropy and advocacy for women’s rights, highlighting her efforts through the Family Life Enhancement Initiative, a non-governmental organization focused on empowering women and vulnerable groups.
Wike, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the recognition and commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria.
The awards were presented by the university’s Chancellor, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
