The Northern Cross River Family Forum, comprising all Local Government Areas in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State, has conferred a Meritorious Award on Professor Rose Ohiama Ugbe in recognition of her historic achievement as the first female Professor of Law in Cross River State and the first in the history of Northern Cross River.
The award celebrates Prof. Ugbe’s outstanding academic excellence, trailblazing role in legal education, and her immense contributions to scholarship and community development. Her achievement has continued to inspire women and young people across the state and beyond.
Local Government Areas in the Northern Cross River Family Forum are:
The Northern Cross River Family Forum represents the following Local Government Areas:
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Bekwarra
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Obanliku
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Obudu
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Ogoja
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Yala
Professor Rose Ohiama Ugbe has received wide recognition from various institutions and organisations, including:
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University of Calabar Outstanding Lecturer of the Year 2025
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Yala Achievers Award Recipient (July 2025)
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First Female Professor of Law in Cross River State
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First Female Professor of Law at the University of Calabar
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First Female Professor in the Faculty of Law, UNICAL
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First Professor of Law from the Yala-speaking community
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First Professor of Law from Obudu Local Government Area
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First Female Professor from Yala Local Government Area
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First Professor of Law from Okpoma
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First Professor of Law from Olachor
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First Female Professor of Law from Bebuawhan, Obudu
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First Female Professor of Law recognised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch
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First Female Professor of Law in the Archdiocese of Calabar
In her acceptance speech, Prof. Ugbe expressed deep appreciation to the Northern Cross River Family Forum for the honour, describing it as a motivation to do even more in service to education and society.
She acknowledged the challenges women often face while pursuing professional careers, especially in balancing family life, academic demands, and societal expectations. Prof. Ugbe encouraged young people—particularly women—to remain focused on education and personal development, urging them to disregard the growing narrative that “education is a scam.”
The award ceremony also recognised other eminent personalities for their contributions to Cross River State and the Northern Senatorial District, including the Chief Judge of Cross River State and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, among others.
The event was widely described as a celebration of excellence, impact, and the enduring value of education in shaping society.
