The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has joined the exclusive league of doctoral degree holders in Nigeria, estimated to be fewer than 100,000 in a country with a population exceeding 220 million.

Kalu was conferred with a Doctor of Laws (PhD) by University of Calabar during its 38th Convocation Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey.

His doctoral thesis stood out among his peers, earning recognition as one of the most outstanding research works and securing a place at the university’s Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge.

Speaking while delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the graduating PhD class, Kalu described the doctoral journey as “demanding, humbling, and transformative,” highlighting the intellectual discipline and resilience required to attain such a feat.

Quoting Aristotle, he said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet,” noting that behind every doctoral success story lies years of sacrifice, sleepless nights, and rigorous scholarship.

He emphasized that earning a PhD should not be seen merely as an academic title, but as a call to responsibility, urging fellow graduands to ensure their research contributes meaningfully to societal development.

Referencing Nelson Mandela, Kalu reiterated that education remains a powerful tool for transformation, calling on scholars to deploy knowledge as an instrument for national progress.

He also cited data from the National Bureau of Statistics, which indicates that Nigeria has fewer than 100,000 PhD holders, underscoring the elite yet responsibility-laden status of those who attain the highest academic qualification.

Kalu noted that belonging to this small intellectual community comes with the burden of thought leadership and the obligation to drive innovation and policy solutions in the country.

Highlighting his contributions to education through legislative advocacy, he reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives such as the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Bende; Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item Bende; and Federal University, Okigwe.

He described these institutions as strategic investments aimed at expanding access to quality education and strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

Kalu expressed gratitude to the university’s Governing Council, Senate, and academic staff for the honour, pledging to continue contributing to knowledge and national development.