By Rasheed Olanrewaju
More than one and a half decades after leaving the University of Calabar Medical School as a graduate of medicine, Dr Betta Edu returned to the prestigious institution last month in a blaze of glory and amid effusive praises to receive a distinguished award in recognition of her sterling service to her fatherland and humanity, as well as for consistently projecting Unical in a positive light through her impeccable public service record.
The immediate past APC National Women Leader and Honourable Minister was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame. She was also conferred with the title of Grand Ambassador of Unical.
The fitting and deserving honours were bestowed on Dr Edu during the University of Calabar’s 50th anniversary celebration and special convocation ceremony.
Dr Edu was honoured alongside the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu, CON; the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, among other eminent Nigerians from various fields of endeavour.
The process of recognising Dr Edu began in early March with an official letter from the university’s management intimating her of the decision to honour her. The letter read in part: “In nominating you for this prestigious award, the University has considered your success in using the knowledge/skills acquired in the University in your chosen field/professional career.
“The University also notes the worthy manner you have flown the flag of integrity for the University both in Nigeria and abroad, your past/future contributions to the development of your Alma Mater (Unical) and your pride as an Alumna. You are the face of University of Calabar.”
The Unical honour has continued to attract loud ovations to the outspoken medical doctor, famous for her humanitarian and welfarist inclinations.
For instance, Unical’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, who personally conferred the honours on Dr Edu, said: “We are very proud of my daughter, Doctor Betta Edu, for always making the University proud.”
The 15th Emir of Kano, HRH Aminu Ado Bayero, commended Dr Edu as one of the shining stars of the younger generation, who has continued to distinguish herself as a trailblazer in public service.
Similarly, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), in its congratulatory message to Dr Edu, described the honours as “a testament to Dr Edu’s unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service to humanity.”
The NUJ, in the message signed by its Chairman in the Cross River State Council, Comrade Bassey, further stressed that “Dr Edu has continued to distinguish herself as a trailblazer in public service, and her contributions to healthcare, governance, and humanitarian efforts have brought immense pride to Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
“Her recognition by UNICAL reflects not only her personal achievements but also the university’s legacy of producing leaders who make significant impacts both nationally and globally. We particularly commend her passionate commitment to giving back, as demonstrated by her pledge—on behalf of the Class of 2009 Medical School—to contribute ₦15 million towards the completion and equipping of the university’s new medical centre.”
The council extolled Dr Edu’s dedication to progress and nation-building, noting that “it is truly inspiring, and we have no doubt that she will continue to be a shining example of integrity, service, and leadership.”
Other well-meaning groups and individuals from the South-South, Niger Delta, Northern Nigeria, and the Middle Belt regions also congratulated Dr Edu on the well-deserved award.
They variously expressed optimism that the honour will spur Dr Edu, a 2009 graduate of Unical’s Medical School, to do even more for humanity. The groups also wished her greater heights in all her future endeavours.
The political base of Dr Edu, the APC in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State—her place of origin—was not left out in the effusive praises and kind words. APC members in the council area and indeed the entire Abi LGA expressed delight that their beloved daughter has continued to attract national and international honours, not only for herself but also for the council, thus putting Abi and its people on the world map.
Said Pastor Joshua Igboke, the Abi Local Government Area APC Chapter Chairman: “On behalf of APC Abi Chapter and my family, I felicitate with Dr Betta Edu on her conferment of the Award of Honour as Unical Ambassador and induction into Unical Hall of Fame as the Legacy Face of Unical during Unical@50 Celebration/Award Ceremony.
“Suffice it to say that this well-deserved recognition and award is a clear testament to your sterling leadership qualities as a notable and visionary leader par excellence, with unwavering and uncommon sacrificial commitment towards influencing and impacting lives and humanity.
“The party is very proud of you as a shining star, pacesetter, trailblazer, mentor, destiny helper, and pathfinder. Your uncommon and unprecedented achievements are overwhelming and highly commendable.
“I hereby implore you to remain steadfast in your vision and determination to impact lives and humanity positively, against all odds, especially bettering the lives of the less privileged.”
Urbane, focused, and cerebral, Dr Edu’s Unical honours highlight her immense goodwill, remarkable public relations skills, dynamic and visionary leadership acumen, and ceaseless nationalistic fervour.
Unical, of course, played a critical role in the iconic figure and role model that Dr Edu has become today, honing her leadership skills from her early days of student activism as Vice President of Unical’s Student Union Government (SUG).
Edu herself recognises Unical’s place in her rise to the top. According to her, “Unical is my very powerful University that actually built the leadership skills in me.”
As for me, since this is about selfless service to humanity and alma mater, let the ovations, commendations, and outpouring of love and congratulatory messages continue for this young, delectable, and quintessential Nigerian medical doctor—because she truly deserves all the accolades.
Congratulations, Dr Betta Edu, keep soaring higher!
Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, ANIPR, writes from Abuja. rasheedolanrewaju75@gmail.com
