As part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations, the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has conferred an honorary doctorate degree in Education Management on Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the President of the Senate.
The ceremony took place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the university’s main campus in Calabar, Cross River State, also saw the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike awarded the honorary doctorate degree in Law.
Other honourees included retired Major General Moses Bisong Obi, awarded a Doctorate in Peace and Conflict Studies, and Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Obi, who was recognized with a Doctorate in Law.
In her acceptance speech after the conferment by the 15th Emir of Kano and Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Akpabio thanked the Governing Council and Management of the University for finding her worthy of the honour.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Mrs Akpabio as saying “I am happy to be honoured with this award from the prestigious University of Calabar that I have heard so much about from my dear husband, an alumnus of this great institution.
“I was wondering when I will join him as a great Malabress and that day has come and I am grateful to the University for this honour,” she said.
Mrs Akpabio promised to work with other awardees especially the Minister of the FCT to provide infrastructural assistance to the university.
In a citation the University extolled Mrs Akpabio for her philanthropic and humanitarian efforts towards uplifting the lives of women and the vulnerable of the society through her non governmental organisation, the Family Life Enhancement Initiative.
She was also recognized as a champion of women’s rights and as one who used her position as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State to fight for the inclusion of more women in governance.
On his part, Wike said he was honoured to be among the recipients of award. He lavished praise on the Visitor of the University, President Bola Tinubu for working tirelessly to promote tertiary education in the country.
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