C’RIVER CHIEF JUDGE JOINS ACADEMIA AS CRINFAF HONOURS PROF. ROSE OHIAMA UGBE, FIRST FEMALE PROFESSOR OF LAW IN CRS
✓ Judiciary, university leadership and government officials gather at UNICAL Cross River Community Hall to celebrate a historic first for women in law and academia
By Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu
CALABAR — The Chief Judge of Cross River State, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, alongside leading academics, jurists and senior government officials, converged at the Cross River Community Hall, University of Calabar (UNICAL), as the Cross River North Family Forum (CRINFAF) honoured Prof. (Mrs.) Rose Ohiama Ugbe on her elevation to the rank of Professor of Law, formally recognising her as the FIRST FEMALE PROFESSOR OF LAW IN CROSS RIVER STATE.
The landmark ceremony, which attracted members of the University of Calabar community and stakeholders from across the state, was widely described as a celebration of scholarly excellence, resilience and gender inclusion, marking a defining moment in the academic and legal history of Cross River State.
Delivering the welcome address, Assoc. Prof. Friday Ogar Idiku, Chairman of CRINFAF, said the honour was both a personal triumph for the celebrant and a collective victory for the university and the Cross River North senatorial district.
“This elevation is not merely a personal achievement; it is a collective victory and a powerful symbol of hope for young scholars, particularly women aspiring to excel in academia and the legal profession,” Idiku stated.
He explained that CRINFAF comprises teaching and non-teaching staff of the University of Calabar from Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra, Ogoja and Yala, and is committed to unity, service and community development. He appealed for continued support to enable the forum expand scholarship schemes for indigent students and strengthen welfare programmes for its members.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Linkages and Collaborations), Prof. Peter Okafor, described Prof. Ugbe as a distinguished scholar whose academic contributions have consistently projected the university nationally and internationally.
“Prof. Rose Ugbe is a pioneer and a scholar of distinction. She has published widely, undertaken impactful research, and has remained a strong pillar in advancing the University of Calabar’s research profile and international academic engagements,” Prof. Okafor said, as he declared the event open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.
Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, described the celebration as historic, commending CRINFAF for honouring one of its own and noting that the elevation of Prof. Ugbe represents a significant stride for women in academia and the legal profession.
“When one is honoured by their own people, by their roots, the appreciation is deeper and more meaningful. It is a thing of joy to see excellence recognised, especially when it is earned through discipline, resilience and integrity,” the Chief Judge said.
She noted that Prof. Ugbe’s elevation stands as a rare exception that breaks long-standing barriers in the legal academy, describing her as an inspiration to countless aspiring legal minds, particularly young women.
“This honour reminds us of the vital role diversity and inclusion play in shaping the future of our society. Prof. Ugbe’s journey shows that ambition, when supported and nurtured, can transform not just an individual, but generations,” she added.
Justice Ikpeme urged parents, educators and institutions to consciously encourage children, especially girls, to pursue their ambitions without limitation.
“Never take the dreams of our children for granted. That encouragement may be the spark that shapes the future,” she said.
The event was further dignified by the presence of the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, who was represented by Dr. Chris Ojikpong, underscoring the state government’s support for academic excellence, inclusive leadership and human capital development. In recognition of his outstanding service and leadership, Rt. Hon. Odey was conferred with a Meritorious Award of Excellence in Leadership by the organisers, CRINFAF.
In her response, Prof. (Mrs.) Rose Ohiama Ugbe expressed profound gratitude to God, the University of Calabar, CRINFAF and the judiciary for the honour, describing her journey to professorship as one sustained by dedication, resilience and faith.
“It has not been an easy journey, but God has been faithful. I deeply cherish this recognition and I am grateful to everyone who stood by me,” she said.
The occasion, which attracted who-is-who in the judiciary, government and the university community, was anchored by the erudite Deputy Registrar, Elder Agba Ebenezer Agba. Also in attendance was Assoc. Prof. George Atelhe, Chairman of the Cross River Community in the University of Calabar.
The high point of the ceremony was the conferment of a Meritorious Excellence Award on Prof. (Mrs.) Rose Ohiama Ugbe for her distinguished service to academia and the legal profession, as well as an Award of Excellence presented to Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, Chief Judge of Cross River State, in recognition of her sterling leadership.
The ceremony concluded on a note of celebration and reflection, with many attendees describing it as a defining milestone for women in scholarship and a powerful affirmation of UNICAL’s role as a hub of academic excellence.
