By David Okoh
*doctoral research ranked among most outstanding
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been conferred with a Doctor of Laws (PhD) by the University of Calabar during its 38th Convocation Ceremony, marking another significant academic and personal milestone.
Kalu’s doctoral research was also selected as one of the most outstanding projects, earning a place at the University’s Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge, further underscoring the academic merit and national relevance of his work.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the PhD graduating class, Kalu reflected on the rigours and rewards of the doctoral journey, describing it as “demanding, humbling, and transformative.”
Quoting Aristotle, he noted that “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted the sacrifices behind every thesis from sleepless nights to intellectual struggles emphasizing that the achievement represents not just academic success, but resilience and dedication.
He also described the moment as personal, noting that the University of Calabar had shaped his academic journey across multiple stages, having previously earned his LL.B and LL.M degrees from the same institution.
The lawmaker stressed that a PhD is not merely a title but a call to responsibility, urging fellow graduands to ensure their research translates into real-world impact.
Citing Nelson Mandela, he said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
He made reference to the report by the National Bureau of Statistics, which estimates that the number of doctoral degree holders is fewer than 100,000 in a country of over 220 million people.
This, Kalu said places us within a very narrow community not of privilege alone, but of responsibility, underscoring the burden of thought and the call to intellectual leadership that rests upon them.
Highlighting his legislative efforts, Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to education through initiatives such as: Federal College of Education, Bende
Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende and Federal University, Okigwe.
He noted that these institutions represent long-term investments in Nigeria’s intellectual future, rather than mere political achievements.
He therefore urged fellow PhD holders to become agents of transformation, bridging the gap between knowledge and societal progress.
Kalu expressed appreciation to the University’s Governing Council, Senate
Academic staff and supervisors and the University for recognizing his research as one of the most outstanding contributions to knowledge.
