UNICAL @ 50: University of Calabar Set for Golden Jubilee, 37th Convocation Ceremony

 



The University of Calabar is set to celebrate an epoch moment in its history as it marks its 50th anniversary alongside its 37th Convocation Ceremony. 

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Florence Banku Obi made this announcement during a press conference held at the institution’s main campus to highlight the week long festivities scheduled from March 17 to March 23, 2025.
UNICAL VC During The Press Conference 



In her address, Prof Obi expressed deep appreciation for the media’s role in advancing "Project Unical" and emphasised the importance of maintaining this partnership beyond her tenure. The VC described the upcoming celebrations as “historical, epochal and unifying”, because it brings together students, alumni, staff and stakeholders.


The celebrations will commence with a “Victory Walk” around the campus as a  symbol of the institution’s triumphs in academics, research and global impact. This walk would be led by the VC will unite staff, students and alumni in a show of solidarity and institutional pride.

On Tuesday, March 18, the university will hold an Inter-Denominational Service at the UNICAL International Conference Centre, where Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Bassey will deliver a sermon on the theme “Our Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5).

 This will be followed by the 2025 Convocation Research Fair and Exhibition at the Open Pavilion, showcasing the university’s academic and creative achievements.Wednesday, March 19, will focus on alumni engagement, featuring a Convocation Meeting and a Reunion Celebration at the renowned “Malabor Republic.” The event will provide alumni an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and interact with current students.



A major highlight of the celebration will be the 50th Anniversary and Convocation Lecture on Thursday, March 20 to be delivered by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He will speak on the theme, “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centred Education, the Mandate of Our University, 2025-2075.”

 The event to be held at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), will be chaired by Prof Ekanem Ikpi Braide, former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lafia, and Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH).

Following the lecture an Award and Fundraising Ceremony will be held at the same venue. The university will recognize outstanding staff and distinguished alumni while launching a fundraising campaign to address critical infrastructural needs, including preparations for NUGA 2026, a new medical centre, additional classrooms, and hostel facilities.


Accordingly, the VC reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation that the celebration is not just about reflecting on the past but also shaping the future. 

“At 50, we are not just looking back at our achievements; we are setting the stage for a greater future. The next 50 years must be more impactful,” she stated.

The grand celebration will conclude on Sunday, March 23 with further activities to honour the institution’s legacy and future aspirations.As UNICAL reaches this milestone, the entire academic community, alumni and the general public are invited to participate in what promises to be a momentous and transformative event in the history of the university.


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