The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been awarded a Doctor of Laws (PhD) by the University of Calabar at its 38th convocation ceremony.
Kalu’s doctoral research was also recognised as one of the most outstanding, earning a place at the institution’s Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge.
Speaking today at the convocation ground while delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the PhD graduating class, the Deputy Speaker described the doctoral journey as “demanding, humbling and transformative,” noting that the process required resilience, discipline and intellectual commitment.
Quoting the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, Kalu said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet,” stressing that the sacrifices behind every thesisf, rom sleepless nights to intense academic struggles, underscore the value of the achievement.
He described the honour as deeply personal, recalling that the University of Calabar had shaped his academic trajectory, having earlier obtained his LL.B and LL.M degrees from the same institution.
Kalu emphasised that a PhD should not be seen merely as a title, but as a call to responsibility, urging fellow graduands to ensure their research contributes meaningfully to societal development.
Citing former South African President Nelson Mandela, he noted that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
The lawmaker referenced data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicating that fewer than 100,000 Nigerians hold doctoral degrees in a population exceeding 220 million, describing PhD holders as a “narrow community” bound not just by privilege but by responsibility.
According to him, this reality places a burden of intellectual leadership on doctorate holders to drive innovation and national development.
Highlighting his legislative interventions, Kalu reiterated his commitment to expanding access to education through the establishment of institutions such as the Federal College of Education, Bende; the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende; and the Federal University, Okigwe.
He said the institutions were conceived as long-term investments in Nigeria’s intellectual and human capital development, rather than mere political accomplishments.
Kalu urged fellow PhD holders to serve as agents of transformation by bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions.
He also expressed appreciation to the university’s Governing Council, Senate, academic staff and supervisors for recognising his research as one of the most outstanding contributions to knowledge.
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