The Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and student welfare under the exemplary leadership of Dr. Mrs. Rose Ohiama Ugbe. The Faculty celebrated its law dinner on Friday, July 26, 2024, a memorable event marked by the establishment of awards for outstanding students across various categories and courses.
In a remarkable gesture of support for academic excellence, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, an alumni of the Faculty, hosted multiple awards with significant cash prizes for the best students in their classes and specific courses.
These awards are:
- The Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s Award for the Best Student in Jurisprudence and Legal Theory.
- The Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s Award for the Best Student in Company Law.
- The Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s Award for the Best Student in Commercial Law.
- The Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s Award for the Best Student in Law of Evidence.
- The Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s Award for the Best Student in Constitutional Law.
-Hon. Justice Imelda Etape also contributed significantly by establishing an award in honor of her late husband, Barr. John Etape, for the Best Student in Nigerian Legal System.
Other distinguished sponsors who honored the students included:
- Dr. Miebaka Nabiebu’s Awards for the Best Academic Student in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Year, the Best Student in Legal Method, and the Best Student in Labour Law.
- Hon. (Barr.) Nosa Kings Erhunmwunsee’s Award for the Best Student in Oil and Gas Law.
- Dr. Eni Eja Alobo’s Book Award for the Best Student in Contract Law.
- Barr. Henry Nwogu’s Award for the Best Student in Contract Law.
-The LAWSAN President Mr. Excel Nwogu also received a Faculty award for his excellent and exemplary leadership of LAWSAN.
The Dean’s Award for the Best Academic Student in the 5th Year was another highlight of the evening.
The awards, accompanied by cash prizes ranging from N50,000 to N100,000, as well as books, were instituted to recognize and encourage academic excellence among the students. Students who received the awards were so touched that they shed tears of joy when they were called upon to receive their academic Awards and the monetary value was announced. Other shared how they were inspired to strive for higher academic achievements.
Dr. Mrs. Rose Ohiama Ugbe, appointed as Acting Dean after the former Dean’s removal over allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office, has been widely praised for her leadership and dedication. Her efforts in ensuring the publication of the Faculty Law Journal and the Faculty Handbook have been particularly commendable. Under her administration, the Faculty has seen the promotion of six lecturers and the graduation of five colleagues with their Ph.Ds. Her leadership style, focusing on staff and student welfare, has been widely appreciated by colleagues. They noted her remarkable work ethic and ability to meet key performance indicators for a good leader.
The law dinner, expertly organized by the planning committee chaired by Dr. Eni Alobo, was a resounding success. The ambiance, camaraderie, and the professional MCing by Dr. Paul Ebiala made the evening unforgettable. The unveiling of the Faculty Law Journal, both in print and online, was a significant milestone, as the last publication was six years ago.
Several distinguished guests, graced the occasion, including the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akin Bassey Ikpeme, represented by Hon. Justice, Hon. Justice Imelda Etape of the CRS High Court, Mr. Ikani Agabi, SAN of Ikani Agabi and Co, Abuja (the Dinner Lecturer, represented by Dr. Sam Eboh), the Chairman, NBA Calabar Branch, Mr. Nsikak Ikpeme, represented by the Chairman, Young Lawyers Forum of the Branch, Mr. Inam Akiki, Esq and several other eminent personalities.
The Dean, Asso. Prof Ugbe to the University of Calabar’s management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Banku Obi, for her unwavering support and to all the award sponsors, dignitaries, colleagues and students who attended the dinner. She specifically thanked all who contributed to the success of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Accreditation last year.
This year’s law dinner was unique, with academic awards worth over a million naira presented to 23 deserving students in 16 categories. The awards have undoubtedly set a new standard of excellence and motivation within the faculty.
The Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Mrs. Rose Ohiama Ugbe, continues to shine as a beacon of academic excellence and professional development.
For more information on the Law journal, please visit the Faculty Law Journal’s online portal at https://calabarlawjournal.com.
