By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River North Family Forum (CRINFAF) has honoured Prof. (Mrs) Rose Ohiama Ugbe, a professor of law, with a Meritorious Award, following her promotion which dates back to 2024.
Converseer reports that Prof. Ugbe is the first female Professor of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and the entire Cross River State. Her areas of specialisation include Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Law, and Taxation Law.
Honouring her achievement at the Cross River Community Hall, University of Calabar, on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, Assoc. Prof. Friday Ogar Idiku, Chairman of CRINFAF, said Prof. Ugbe has set an exemplary path for women to follow.
“Today is a special gathering for a special woman who has done exceptionally well to get to the top of her career. It is a collective victory for the Forum, our institution and the state,” Assoc. Prof. Idiku stated.
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Peter Odey, while congratulating Prof. Ugbe, charged her to give birth to more female Law Professors.
“Let me congratulate the chief celebrant, Prof. Rose Ugbe; being the first female Professor of Law is not an easy task. I want to say, Cross River State is proud of you. From now on, you’ll give birth to more female Law Professors,” Odey, who was represented by his Head of Personal Staff, Dr Chris Ojikpong, stated.
Also on her part, the Chief Judge of Cross River State, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, said Prof. Ugbe’s achievement is a testament of determination and excellence.
According to her, “This is a landmark achievement. When I heard she’s not only the first female Professor at the University but the entire state, I decided to come celebrate with her.
“I feel elated seeing females rising to the top of their profession. Prof. Rose Ugbe has been a shining star in the profession. She really deserves double accolades.
“The achievement of Prof. Ugbe stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the legal profession,” Ikpeme said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Offiong Offiong, represented by Prof. Peter Okafor, DVC Linkages and Collaborations, described Ugbe as a distinguished Professor.
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According to him, “It’s a thing of joy when someone is prompted to the peak of her profession. It’s even more that she’s a pioneer female Law Professor in Cross River State. She is not only a Professor of Law, but she’s also a distinguished Professor of Law. She has represented UNICAL very well.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Cross River Community, Assoc. Prof. George Atele, said, “This is my daughter with whom I am well pleased. We’ve been dancing and will keep dancing since we heard of your promotion.
“I want to put it to you that a professor of distinguished personality,” Atele stated, urging other female workers to emulate her.
On her part, Prof. Ugbe thanked God and all those who contributed in one way or another to her success. She also commended the Chief Judge and the Vice-Chancellor for finding time to celebrate with her.
“I want to thank God who made it a reality because without Jim, I wouldn’t have been here. I thank every other person, including the Chief Judge and the Vice-Chancellor, for finding time to celebrate with me. I also appreciate all the judges of the State High Court here.
“It’s not been easy. I have been in the position of Associate Professor for 8 years. I thank all those who honoured me. I really cherish this award from the Cross River North Family Forum,” she said.
She told journalists shortly after the event that, “One of the major challenges I had was publishing in different journals, especially Scopus, which is kind of expensive. In all, I give thanks to God.”
Converseer further reports that CRINFAF is an umbrella body of teaching and non-teaching staff of Cross River State Northern Senatorial District origin.
The Forum also honoured the Deputy Governor as well as the Chief Judge.
