By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
The University of Calabar has conferred an honorary doctoral degree in Education Management on Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio, wife of the President of the Senate. The ceremony, held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the university’s main campus in Calabar, Cross River State, was part of the institution’s golden anniversary celebrations.
Other notable awardees included: Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who received an honorary Doctorate Degree in Law; Major General Moses Bisong Obi (rtd), awarded a Doctor of Peace and Conflict Studies snd; Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Obi, awarded a Doctor of Law
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Akpabio thanked the university’s Governing Council and Management for the honor. She expressed her happiness at being recognized by the prestigious institution, which her husband, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had attended. Mrs. Akpabio promised to collaborate with other awardees, particularly Chief Wike, to provide infrastructural support to the university.
The university cited Mrs. Akpabio’s philanthropic efforts through her non-governmental organization, the Family Life Enhancement Initiative, which aims to uplift the lives of women and vulnerable members of society. She was also recognized for her advocacy for women’s rights and her role in promoting women’s inclusion in governance during her tenure as First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.
Chief Wike expressed his gratitude for the award and praised President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in promoting tertiary education in Nigeria.
