Calabar, the capital of Cross Rivers State, came alive as the University of Calabar rolled out drums to honour distinguished Nigerians with honorary doctorate degrees.
One of the star honorees was the Federal Capital Territory minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who bagged 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 Agim of the Supreme Court and Gen 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 up to receive his award and be decorated.
The university orator described Wike as a heroic and Visionary leader, who leaves indelible marks in public governance space.
Responding, Wike lauded Tinubu’s strategic interventions in education, and pledged more contributions in furtherance of development in the education 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 the University of Calabar (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 the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has provided the needed financial relief for students and ensured that no willing mind is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.
He listed other interventions of the President in the higher education sector to include the Students Start-up Innovation and Enterpreneurship Grant, which he said has empowered young minds to translate knowledge into impactful enterprises, and removal of universities from the Intergrated Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
The FCT Minister noted that removal of universities from the IPPIS has restored financial autonomy to the institutions and enabled them to function with greater efficiency.
“Furthermore, the kind approval for the domiciliation of TETFund Research Funds within the respective institutions has equally strengthened the capacity for groundbreaking 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 was a charge to 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 even more meaningful to the advancement of 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 accompanied Wike to the grand event include: former deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche; Senators Allwell Onyeso; George Thompson Sekibo; Sandy Ojang Onor; Magnus Ngei Abe; Olaka Nwogu; Philip Tanimu Aduda; Sen. Sam Anyanwu, PDP national secretary; Dr. Fred Kpakol; Chief Victor Giadom; Hon. Frank Owhor; Chief Chukuemeka Woke, DG/CEO, NOSDRA; Chief Boma Iyaye, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NDDC; Hon. Chidi Amadi, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister; Mr. Eric Osagie, publisher ThisNigeria Newspaper among others.
