Calabar – The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is set to mark its 50th anniversary alongside its 37th Convocation Ceremony in a week-long celebration from March 17 to March 23, 2025. This was announced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, during a press conference on Monday at the institution NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
According to Prof. Obi, the university has planned a series of activities to commemorate its golden jubilee and honour the achievements of its students, staff, and alumni. The celebrations will begin with a “Victory Walk” around the campus, symbolizing UNICAL’s resilience and academic successes over the past five decades.
The anniversary week will feature an Inter-Denominational Service on March 18, with Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Bassey delivering a sermon on the theme, “Our Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Rom 5:5). The 2025 Convocation Research Fair and Exhibition will also commence that day, providing a platform for faculties and departments to showcase research innovations.
On March 19, UNICAL’s alumni will take center stage with an Alumni Reunion at the Malabor Republic, where former students will reconnect and interact with current students.
A major highlight of the celebrations will be the 50th Anniversary and Convocation Lecture on March 20, to be delivered by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. His lecture, “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centred Education, the Mandate of our University, 2025-2075”, will be held at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC). The event will also include an Awards and Fundraising Ceremony, with the university seeking support for infrastructure expansion in preparation for hosting NUGA 2026.
March 21 will witness the Award of Diplomas, First Degrees, and Masters Degrees, with 13,610 students graduating. A breakdown of the graduands includes 66 First Class, 3,054 Second Class Upper, and 7,450 Second Class Lower degree holders.
The convocation grand finale on March 22 will see the Award of Ph.D. Degrees, Honorary Doctorates, and Investiture of Emeritus Professors. Three distinguished professors—Prof. Ekanem Ikpi Braide, Prof. Eme Effiom Osim, and Prof. Chris Nwamuo—will be conferred with the prestigious Emeritus status, while six prominent Nigerians, including Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim (JSC) and Prince Arthur Eze, will receive honorary degrees.
The week-long celebrations will culminate in a Thanksgiving Service on March 23 at St. Paul’s Parish, University of Calabar, marking the end of Prof. Obi’s tenure as Vice Chancellor.
