The erstwhile Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has been nominated by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) as an Ambassador of the University in recognition of his contributions to society and his exemplary representation of the institution.
Dr. Ikpeazu, who obtained a Doctorate in Biochemical Pharmacology from UNICAL, was commended as a distinguished alumnus who has upheld the university’s values of excellence and integrity. The nomination is part of the university’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, scheduled for March 2024.
Professor Florence Banku Obi, the 11th and first female Vice-Chancellor of UNICAL, led a high powered delegation of some of the institution’s management team that included Professor Eyong Ubana Eyong, Chairman of the UNICAL @ 50 Planning Committee to present the award nomination letter to Dr. Ikpeazu in Abuja.
Professor Obi, who was speaking on behalf of the University Council and Senate, informed Dr. Ikpeazu that he had been nominated by the Central Planning Committee and the UNICAL Alumni Association for the conferment of the title of Ambassador of the University during the ‘UNICAL at 50’ Golden Jubilee Anniversary, in recognition of the exemplary manner in which he has upheld the university’s integrity and his contributions to the development of his alma mater and Nigeria in general.
She explained that in nominating him for the prestigious award, the university had considered his success in applying the knowledge and skills he acquired at UNICAL in his professional career.
Expressing his appreciation for the recognition, Dr. Ikpeazu reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the university’s legacy. The former Abia Governor said that he was deeply honored by the recognition, acknowledging that his time at UNICAL had played a pivotal role in shaping his leadership approach through solving problems by first principle. He also stated that as Governor, the knowledge he acquired at the university had helped him implement innovative solutions, such as the cement rigid pavement technology in road construction, which he said had proven to be a lasting solution to road durability challenge.
Dr. Ikpeazu pledged to continue supporting the university’s growth and maintaining the values that have made UNICAL a distinguished institution over the past five decades.
Among the dignitaries present were the 2023 Abia PDP Governorship candidate Chief Okey Ahiwe (kikas), the immediate past Member who represented Arochukwu-Ohafia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Uko Nkole (Mr. Projects, the immediate past member who represented Obingwa West state Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly Hon. Thomas Nkoro, Former Commissioner for Information and also for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Former Special Adviser to Governor Ikpeazu and CPS, Hon. Enyinnaya Apolos, Former Special Adviser to Governor Ikpeazu, Hon. Ikechukwu Iroha and the Chief of Staff to Abia PDP State Chairman, Comrade Mascot Nwokeukwu.
