UniCal Elevates Cross River Commissioner to Professor

UniCal Elevates Cross River Commissioner to Professor

By Uket Oka, Calabar

The Senate of the University of Calabar promoted the Cross River Commissioner for Education, Dr Stephen Odey, to the position of Professor of Sociology.

The Senate announced the promotion, Wednesday in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

It noted that the elevation was the outcome of the institution’ promotion exercise as recommended by its Senate chaired and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Florence Banku Obi.

“The Governing Council in the exercise of its statutory authority and in consideration of years of dedication, hardwork, contributions to nation-building, and commitment to the advancement of knowledge in his field of endeavour promoted Dr Odey to the Professorial cadre today,” the statement said.

Prof. Odey is a member and fellow of several professional bodies.

His educational sojourn at the University of Calabar began with a foundational Bachelor degree in Education (B.Ed Hons), a Second Class Upper bachelor of Law (LL.B. Hons), a Masters of Science (M.Sc.) in Industrial Sociology, and Masters of Laws (LL.M) in Environmental Law, culminating in the attainment of double Doctorate Degrees in Law and Industrial Sociology.

His illustrious career is a tapestry woven with threads of profound scholarship, astute legal practice, visionary public service, and transformative leadership. Since 2010, he has graced the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar, as Associate Professor having supervised many Postgraduate thesis (including Ph.Ds) also serving with exceptional distinction as Coordinator, Research and Linkages nurturing the very essence of academic inquiry.

Concurrently, as Principal Partner of Dr. Stephen A. Odey and Associates (Legal Practitioners and Consultants) since 2012. He is a Solicitor/Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Odey’s dedication to foundational education saw him serve as executive chairman/CEO of the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), acting managing director/CEO of the Cross River State Water Board Limited (CRSWBL), and earlier as a lecturer/facilitator at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

He has made significant scholarly contributions across journal articles, books and book chapters, referred conference proceedings and technical reports gracing the pages of prestigious local, national and international journals traversing the domains of Sociology, Education, and law. His voice has echoed across continents at numerous international conferences, further amplifying his scholarly stature, and has maintained active membership in over ten professional bodies.

His elevation is in recognition of his exceptional scholarly contributions, educational leadership, and dedication to global reputation for excellence.

It also embodies the intellectual rigour and real-world impact that defines attaining the rank of professor which is a milestone reserved for scholars who demonstrate sustained excellence and leadership.

Odey has met and exceeded these standards, enriching University of Calabar intellectual community and amplifying professorial global impact.