To support initiatives to enhance Education in Nigeria, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed his commitment. Emphasising the essential role of education in shaping the nation’s future, he pledged his unwavering dedication to promoting access to quality learning. Kalu made these remarks during a meeting with the University of Calabar delegation led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Florence Obi and Provost Professor Enyong Ubana. The delegation visited the Deputy Speaker to discuss the university’s upcoming 50th anniversary and convocation lecture, extending an invitation for him to serve as the guest lecturer.
Plus, as an alumnus of the institution, Kalu expressed his deep appreciation for the values instilled in him during his time at the university, emphasising how those values have shaped his career and commitment to public service. He acknowledged the institution’s contributions to his personal and professional development, attributing his success to the discipline and rigorous academic environment the University of Calabar fostered. He further expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be associated with the institution, noting that it taught him the virtues of hard work, healthy competition, and patriotism.
His initiatives to promote academic excellence and support students.
These principles, he said, have guided his journey in leadership and reinforced his dedication to promoting national development. He emphasised the need for continued collaboration between educational institutions and policymakers to drive the nation forward, asserting that education is the bedrock of sustainable development. Recognising the importance of nation-building through education, Kalu pledged to support the institution’s initiatives and further the cause of quality education in the country. He commended the university for its efforts in advancing education and underscored the need for institutions of higher learning to play an active role in policy formulation.
Furthermore, the deputy speaker assured the delegation of his readiness to work closely with the university to address critical educational challenges. During the meeting, he revealed his plans to sponsor awards for young law students to encourage academic excellence and inspire the next generation of legal professionals. He shared that his motivation stemmed from the remarkable achievements of students from the institution who have demonstrated excellence in various areas of legal studies. These awards, he stated, would focus on disciplines such as Jurisprudence and Legal Theory, Company Law, Commercial Law, the Law of Evidence, and Constitutional Law.
University of Calabar recognises Kalu’s contributions and achievements.
In addition to supporting students, Kalu called upon the school to contribute to the ongoing constitutional review process by researching pertinent national issues such as state policing. He stressed the importance of academic institutions playing an advisory role in shaping national policies and promoting informed debates on governance and Security matters. The Deputy Speaker emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the nation’s challenges and commended the university for its commitment to academic excellence.
Meanwhile, as a testament to his contributions to national development and his unwavering support for education, Kalu was decorated as an ambassador of the University of Calabar by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi. She lauded him for his outstanding achievements and his dedication to upholding the values instilled in him by the institution. Professor Obi noted that his exemplary leadership serves as a source of inspiration for students and alumni alike, noting the significant impact the university has had on his career.
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As the institution prepares for its 50th anniversary, Kalu’s commitment to supporting its initiatives serves as a testament to the critical role of alumni in giving back to their alma mater. His dedication to fostering educational growth and his passion for youth development underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving national progress. In conclusion, Kalu emphasised the need for sustained engagement between the University of Calabar and the government to drive educational reforms to create student opportunities.