By Mercy Gadia
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been conferred with a Doctor of Laws (PhD) by University of Calabar during its 38th convocation ceremony.
Kalu’s doctoral research was also ranked among the most outstanding projects, earning a place at the institution’s Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge.
Speaking while delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the PhD graduating class, the lawmaker described the doctoral journey as “demanding, humbling, and transformative.”
Quoting Aristotle, he said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
Kalu highlighted the sacrifices behind completing a PhD, noting that the achievement represents resilience and dedication beyond academic success.
He added that the milestone was personal, having previously earned his LL.B and LL.M degrees from the same university.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that a PhD should not be seen merely as a title but as a call to responsibility, urging graduands to ensure their research impacts society.
Citing Nelson Mandela, he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
He also referenced data from the National Bureau of Statistics, noting that fewer than 100,000 Nigerians hold doctoral degrees out of a population exceeding 220 million.
“This places us within a very narrow community not of privilege alone, but of responsibility,” he said.
Kalu further reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to education through legislative initiatives, including the establishment of a Federal College of Education in Bende, a Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Item, Bende, and a Federal University in Okigwe.
He said the proposed institutions represent long-term investments in Nigeria’s intellectual development.
The Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation to the university’s Governing Council, Senate, academic staff and supervisors for recognising his research among the most outstanding contributions to knowledge.