Students of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, were on Friday, July 26, 2024 seen in very high spirits as the Faculty celebrated a milestone event at its annual Law Dinner with awards worth over N1,000,000 being presented to 23 students across 16 categories. This event, sponsored by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Justice Imelda Etape of the Cross River State Judiciary, the Faculty, Dr. Eni Alobo and Dr. Miebaka Nabiebu, highlighted the dedication and hard work of the students, placing them in the spotlight for their exceptional academic achievements.
The evening, guided by Associate Professor Rose Ohiama Ugbe, the Dean of Law, was a resounding success, marked by the establishment of these awards for the first time in the Faculty’s history. It also featured the launch of the Faculty’s law journal and handbook, marking a significant academic revival after a five-year lapse. The Calabar Law Journal, now available both in print and online at https://calabarlawjournal.com, includes nine articles on diverse legal topics.
Outstanding Awardees
The event honoured top-performing students from each class, with cash prizes ranging from N50,000 to N100,000 and law books from notable authors. The Dean’s award for best overall student in the final year class was among the prestigious accolades presented.
Notable awardees included:
- 5th Year Class: Miss Victoria Ani Offiong with a CGPA of 4.27.
- 4th Year Class, Stream A: Miss Hukikat Godwin Usetu with a CGPA of 4.50.
- 4th Year Class, Stream B: Digitimie Ayebanoa Opuifie with a CGPA of 4.62.
- 3rd Year Class, Stream A: Emmanuel Nja Mbu with a CGPA of 4.68.
- 3rd Year Class, Stream B: Wilfred Somto Richard with a CGPA of 4.29.
- 2nd Year Class: Owa Egbara Egbara with a CGPA of 4.39.
- 1st Year Class: Otobong Archibong Umoh and Deborah Patrick Ewona both with GPAs of 4.80, along with five other students all with GPAs of 4.60: Uzoma Bright Chika, Omokiti Delight Ewomaogene, Arop Goodness Kanong, Onuh Francis Chiasoka, and Ewa Athodonun Kanu.
Award Categories and Sponsors
- The Dean’s Award for the Best Academic Student in 5th Year.
- Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s Awards for top students in Jurisprudence and Legal Theory, Company Law, Commercial Law, Law of Evidence, and Constitutional Law.
- Hon. Justice Imelda Etape’s Award in honor of her late husband for the Best Student in Nigerian Legal System.
- Dr. Miebaka Nabiebu’s Awards for Best Academic Students in 1st to 4th Year, Best Student in Legal Method, and 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 and Barr. Henry Nwogu’s Award for the Best Student in Contract Law.
Special Recognitions
The event also honoured several distinguished personalities for their excellence and philanthropism: - Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey, Deputy Governor of Cross River State.
- Sen. Dr. Stephen Adi Odey, Honourable Commissioner of Education, Cross River State.
- Hon. Onofiok Luke, former Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
- Dr. Ikani Agabi (SAN), Principal Partner, Ikani Agabi & Co.
- Hon. Barr. Nosa Erunhumnunsee.
Leadership and Motivation
The LAWSAN President, Nwogu Excel, received a Faculty award for his excellent and exemplary leadership.
Lecturers were also acknowledged by students for their contributions, with Dr. Miebaka Nabiebu receiving the Most Notable Icon of LAWSAN, Dr. Amara Ijiomah as the most student-friendly lecturer, and Dr. Anne Agi as the most disciplined lecturer.
LAWSAN UCC also presented several awards to students in various categories.
Closing Remarks
Associate Prof. Rose Ohiama Ugbe expressed her gratitude to the distinguished guests and highlighted the significance of the dinner in maintaining the tradition of the legal profession. She emphasized that the awards serve as encouragement for students to work hard, reinforcing the message that “hard work truly pays.”
The evening, filled with joy and appreciation, saw students and lecturers alike celebrating in a spirit of camaraderie. The dedication of the Law Week planning committee, chaired by Dr. Eni Alobo, ensured a memorable event.
Under the leadership of Prof. Ugbe, the Faculty of Law has seen remarkable progress, from the publication of the Calabar Law Journal and Faculty Handbook to the establishment of the Faculty awards, reaffirming the Faculty’s esteemed reputation and commitment to academic excellence.
