The University of Calabar marked its 38th convocation ceremony by conferring honorary degrees on Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu and retired Rear Admiral Garba Sadeeq Abubakar, recognising both recipients for contributions to public service and national development.

Otu received a Doctor of Political Science (Honoris Causa), while Abubakar was awarded a Doctor of Peace and Conflict Resolution (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his service in security and national defence. Vice Chancellor Professor Offing E. Offiong noted that the conferments were made in compliance with NUC policy, which limits honorary degrees to no more than three recipients per convocation ceremony.

In his response, Governor Otu described the honour as more than a personal milestone, framing it as a recognition of the values the institution shaped in him. "I am profoundly honoured to receive this doctoral award. This goes beyond a personal milestone; it is a celebration of excellence, service, integrity, character, and determination, which UNICAL instilled in me," he said.

The Governor dedicated the award to the people of Cross River State and told students that his entry into public service was driven by a commitment to serve humanity rather than personal ambition. He urged graduates to remain focused and disciplined, and pledged continued partnership with UNICAL to advance development, promote the state's cultural heritage through tourism and empower young people.

The ceremony came at a time when the NUC has been tightening guidelines around honorary degrees nationally, having recently issued directives that restrict which Institutions may confer such awards and barring the use of the Dr title by recipients who have not earned academic doctorates.