UniCal Honors 463 PhD Graduands, Deputy Speaker Kalu Highlights Low Doctorate Rates
Dr Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was one of 463 scholars awarded PhDs at the University of Calabar’s 38th convocation ceremony. In his Vote of Thanks, he described the doctoral journey as demanding, humbling, and transformative. Kalu warned that Nigeria’s share of doctoral holders remains abysmal—fewer than 100,000 in a population of over 220 million. He noted that Africa generates only about 1% of global research output and urged that scholarship must translate into real policy impact. Vice Chancellor Prof Offiong Offiong outlined a vision anchored in excellence in teaching and research, inclusivity, and service to society. He pledged transparency, accountability, and a renewed narrative for the university. Kalu’s doctoral research was also recognised as one of the most outstanding projects.
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