University of Calabar Celebrates 37th Convocation Ceremony, Bagged 66 First Class Graduates

By Imoh Promise

As the university of Calabar continues in her activities to mark her 50th golden jubilee and 37th convocation ceremony, the 11th and first female Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Florence Banku Obi has highlighted the series of events scheduled to take place.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Obi, who made this known on Monday at a pre-37th Convocation/50th Anniversary press conference held at the Senate Chambers of the University, said the university had graduated 168,786 students since its inception in 1975.

“As we gather today, it is my responsibility as the current head of this 50- year old institution to provide essential information as to how the week-long event would run or be held” she said.

The Vice Chancellor while giving a breakdown of the events called on all alumni home and abroad to take this seriously and  be a part of this momentous renewal and reaffirmation of the Malabitic Spirit.

Speaking on the events for the convocation ceremony, she noted that the first event for the day  will be the 50th Anniversary and Convocation Lecture by 11:am  that would be delivered by the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu on the topic, “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human Centred Education, the Mandate of our University, 2025-2075” at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), Summit Hills, Calabar and will be accompanied with an Awards and Fund Raising session by 2pm prompt.

She noted that the event would be chaired by the former Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lafia, and Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), and also the immediate past and first female President of the Nigeria Academy Of Science, Professor Ekanem Ikpi Braide.


The Vice Chancellor added that another dimension of the award category this year would be the presentation of awards to some notable alumni of the University of Calabar and a few outside the University who have distinguished themselves in their service to mankind.

She appealed for massive support as she noted that the occasion is also intended to be a means to raise funds to improve and respond to the infrastructural demands of our institution.

“Coming on the heels of demographic and curricular expansion, we need to get ready for NUGA 2026. The institution needs a better and sophisticated Medical Centre. The University is developing very fast with a steep increase in student population. More classrooms, teaching and learning facilities and hostels are needed; and the sprawling University Library Building is need of structural rehabilitation”. She said.

Giving a breakdown of the convocation event for the Award of Masters, First Degrees & Diplomas slated for 11am on Friday the 21st of March 2025 at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, University of Calabar,  She said, A total of 13,610 students are expected to be part of this convocation ceremony, 181 Diplomas, 11,725 First Degrees, 876 Masters Degrees, 572 PhD, 249 PGD and 7 Postdoctoral Diploma in Education. She noted that a further breakdown shows that there are; 66 First Class, 3,054 Second Class Upper Division, 7,450 Second Class Lower Division, 925 Third Class and 7 Pass.

“As expected, we shall be awarding degrees to those who have been found worthy in character and learning. The event would be marked by formal induction into the Unical Alumni, a number of students drawn from various departments and disciplines are expected to convoke at the event “ Prof. Florence said

However, she stated that prior to this event, would be the Commissioning of some Projects, including; Unical Hall of Fame and Multipurpose Auditorium, The College of Education Complex, Fire Service Station/Fire-Fighting Truck, Pharmaceutical and Medical Pharmacy Building and Faculty of Pharmacy Administrative Building

The vice Chancellor stated that the last Convocation event which will take place at the Unical International Conference Centre on Saturday, March 22, 2025 would commence by 11am prompt will be day for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degrees, Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa), Investiture of Emeritus Professors and Induction into Unical Alumni and later, with a Graduate School Dinner for Ph.D. Graduands with their Supervisors.

“This memorable event, which is the last under my administration as the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, will also feature the investiture of Emeritus Professor on 3 highly acclaimed professors of the University of Calabar, whose intellectual contributions to their disciplines and the institution are widely acknowledged. The decision to accord them this special recognition has been endorsed by the Senate of the institution.  The recipients of the award are: Prof Ekanem Ikpi Braide of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Prof Eme Effiom Osim of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Prof Chris Nwamuo of the Faculty of Arts.

“Aside the Emeritus Professorship, Honorary Awards would also be conferred on 6 deserving Nigerians who have made landmark contributions, shaped the landscape and impacted lives in service to their motherland. The list include the following:

Mrs Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio (D.Educ Mgt)
H.E. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (D. Pol.Sc)
H.E. Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu (D. Pol Sc)
Maj. Gen. (rtd.) Moses Bisong Obi (D. Peace & Conflict Studies)
Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC (D. Laws.)
Prince Arthur I. Eze (D. Bus Mgt)” she highlighted

Professor Florence noted that the 50th Anniversary/Convocation would come to a close with a Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Parish, University of Calabar on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 9am prompt.


She further expressed her gratitude to the media for their presence and willingness to give this event the wider publicity it deserves.

“I would like this synergy to be sustained till my last day in office, and even beyond. I treasure your valued cooperation” she said.