Calabar, the capital of Cross Rivers State, came alive Saturday as the University of Calabar rolled out drums to honour distinguished Nigerians with honorary doctorate degrees.
One of the star honourees was the Federal Capital Territory minister Nyesom Wike, who earned a Doctorate degree in Law (Honoris Causa).
From the airport through the city, into the main campus, giant-size portraits of Wike adorned everywhere. It was a carnival of sorts.
Even though there were other awardees, including former first lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Unoma Ekaette Akpabio, Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court, and Gen Moses Obi, a retired officer of the Nigerian army, there was no doubt that Wike was the star awardee.
The capacity-filled hall erupted in thunderous applause when Wike was called to receive his award and be decorated.
The university orator described Wike as a heroic and Visionary leader who leaves indelible marks on public governance.
Responding, Wike lauded Tinubu’s strategic interventions in education and pledged more contributions to further development in the sector.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda has injected new life into our university system through landmark Interventions that are transforming the landscape of tertiary education,” the Minister said at UNICAL after he was conferred with the university’s Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law during its 50th anniversary and 37th convocation ceremony.
He also said that establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has given students the financial relief they need.
He ensured that no willing mind was denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.
He listed other President’s interventions in the higher education sector, including the Students Start-up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant, which he said has empowered young minds to translate knowledge into impactful enterprises, and the removal of universities from the Integrated Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
The FCT Minister noted that removing universities from the IPPIS has restored financial autonomy to the institutions and enabled them to function more efficiently.
“Furthermore, the kind approval for the domiciliation of TETFund Research Funds within the respective institutions has strengthened the capacity for ground-breaking research and innovation.
“These bold and forward-thinking policies are undoubtedly positioning Nigeria’s university system to meet the demands of the 21st century,” he said.
Expressing his appreciation to the UNICAL authorities for finding him worthy of the Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law, the FCT Minister said the honour charged him to remain steadfast in his contributions to national development, upholding ideals of excellence and service as an inspiration to the next generation.
Wike said, “As I proudly accept this honorary doctorate, I do so with renewed vigor to contribute meaningfully to advancing education, good governance, and national development.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured by this recognition. The University of Calabar has written my name in its golden records, and I embrace this moment with great responsibility.”
Dignitaries who graced the grand event include: former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche; Senators Allwell Onyeso; George Thompson Sekibo; Magnus Ngei Abe; Olaka Nwogu; Philip Tanimu Aduda; PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu; APC National Vice Chairman, Chief Victor Giadom; Chief Boma Iyaye, Executive Director, Finance and Admin, Niger Delta Development Commission; Frank Ohwor; Chief Chukuemeka Woke, DG/CEO, NOSDRA; Chidi Amadi; Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister; Mr Eric Osagie, Publisher of ThisNigeria newspaper, among others.
