The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been awarded a Doctor of Laws (PhD) by University of Calabar at its 38th Convocation Ceremony.
Kalu’s doctoral thesis was also ranked among the institution’s most outstanding research works and featured at its Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge.
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Speaking during the ceremony, where he delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the PhD graduating class, Kalu described the doctoral journey as “demanding, humbling and transformative.”
Quoting Aristotle, he said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet,” noting that the achievement reflected years of sacrifice, resilience and intellectual discipline.
He said the milestone was particularly significant as the university had shaped his academic journey, having previously obtained his LL.B and LL.M degrees from the institution.
Kalu, however, stressed that a PhD should not be seen as a title but a responsibility to drive societal change.
Citing Nelson Mandela, he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” urging fellow graduands to ensure their research impacts society.
He referenced data from the National Bureau of Statistics, which puts the number of doctoral degree holders in Nigeria at fewer than 100,000 out of a population of over 220 million, describing it as a call to intellectual leadership.
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According to him, “this places us in a narrow community not just of privilege, but of responsibility.”
The lawmaker also highlighted his legislative efforts aimed at expanding access to education, including proposed institutions such as the Federal College of Education, Bende; Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende; and Federal University, Okigwe.
He said the institutions were long-term investments in Nigeria’s intellectual development.
Kalu urged PhD holders to bridge the gap between knowledge and societal progress, while appreciating the university’s Governing Council, Senate, and academic staff for recognising his research.
