Deputy Speaker Kalu bags Doctor of Law at UNICAL’s 38th Convocation
The University of Calabar has conferred a Doctorate Degree in Law on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. The institution, at its 38th convocation ceremony, also
The University of Calabar has conferred a Doctorate Degree in Law on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The institution, at its 38th convocation ceremony, also adjudged Kalu’s doctoral research as one of the most outstanding projects, earning a place in the University’s Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge.
Speaking on behalf of other PhD graduating class, Kalu reflected on the rigours and rewards of the doctoral journey, describing it as “demanding, humbling, and transformative.”
Quoting Aristotle, he noted that “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
Kalu spoke on the sacrifices behind every thesis, from sleepless nights to intellectual struggles, emphasising that the achievement represents not just academic success, but resilience and dedication.
He described the moment as personal, noting that the University of Calabar had shaped his academic journey across multiple stages, having previously earned his LL.B and LL.M degrees from the same institution.
He said 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 the graduating students 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.
Speaking on his legislative efforts, Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to education through initiatives such as: the Federal College of Education, Bende; Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende and Federal University, Okigwe.
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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.
