By Ekemini Raymond,

The University of Calabar has held her 28th convocation ceremony, for the graduating students of the 2012/2013 academic session. The double event which coincided with the 40th anniversary celebration of the university held at the famous Abraham ordia stadium of the university. The ceremony which was declared opened by, the chancellor of the university ,Alhaji Maumadu Kabiru Umah, who was ably represented by the Pro Chancellor of the university, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, at about 10.30am.

The Pro Chancelor in his address described all the graduands as proud prouduct of the institution, stating that it is very difficult for the university to unleash them into the world. He further advised the graduands to remain good ambassadors of the university where ever they find themselves.

The vice chancellor of the university, Prof. James Epoke, in his address described all the graduands as been found worthy in character and learning. He stated that this was the best convocation ever in the history of the university, especially for graduating ten first class students. He announced an automatic employment to all the graduands who bag first class. Sen. Liyel Imoke, the governor of cross River state, who was represented by the commissioner of education, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, applauded the university and especially the vice chancellor for the giant stride recorded in his administration, especially for the steps taken by him to established the faculty of pharmacy and engineering, this according to him will help industrialised the state. He congratulated all the graduands for making themselves and their family proud.

Prof Epoke listed the challenges faced by the school to include flooding, ongoing construction of the faculty of engineering and pharmacy, and leaded for the presidential assistance. In another development, the second Saturday of March of every year has been approved by the school senate for convocation on yearly bases. The best graduating student, Pius, Nkpouto Udoh, from the department of Genetics and Biotechnology,(GBT) of the faculty of science graduated with a CGPA of 4.70, bag various awards from various groups and cooperate body, including the university award of twenty thousand naira. Out of the 8,120 graduands, 6823 bag first degree, 940 bag post graduate degree 5883. Ten bag first class, 7772 bag second class, and 1759 bag third class respectively. Speaking after the ceremony, some of the graduands express joy for they described as a dream come true, and promised to come back to support their alm- mata whenever the need arises.