The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been awarded a Doctor of Laws (PhD) by University of Calabar during its 38th Convocation Ceremony.
Kalu’s doctoral research was also recognised as one of the most outstanding, earned a place at the institution’s Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge, a distinction that highlights the academic excellence and national relevance of his work.
Speaking while delivering the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the PhD graduating class, the Deputy Speaker described the doctoral journey as “demanding, humbling, and transformative.” He emphasised that the process reflects not only intellectual achievement but also resilience, sacrifice, and dedication.
Quoting the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, Kalu remarked that “the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet,” underscoring the challenges and eventual rewards of advanced scholarship.
He noted that his academic journey has been closely tied to the University of Calabar, where he previously obtained his LL.B and LL.M degrees, describing the latest achievement as both personal and symbolic.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that a PhD should not be seen merely as a title but as a responsibility to drive meaningful change. Citing global icon Nelson Mandela, he reiterated that education remains “the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Referencing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Kalu observed that doctoral degree holders in Nigeria number fewer than 100,000 in a population exceeding 220 million. He said this places PhD holders in a small but critical community tasked with intellectual leadership and national development.
Highlighting his legislative efforts, Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to education through the establishment of institutions such as the Federal College of Education, Bende; the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende; and the Federal University, Okigwe. He described these projects as strategic investments in Nigeria’s future rather than political milestones.
He urged fellow graduands to act as agents of transformation by ensuring that their research contributes to societal progress and bridges the gap between knowledge and real-world impact.
Kalu also expressed appreciation to the University’s Governing Council, Senate, academic staff, and supervisors for recognising his research as one of the institution’s most outstanding contributions to knowledge.
