A groundbreaking academic achievement was celebrated on Sunday, September 7, 2025, as a large gathering of dignitaries, well-wishers and friends attended a thanksgiving ceremony in honor of Reverend Father Professor Julius Ada.
The event, held at the New Catholic Church in Bebuatsuan, Obudu, marked his promotion to the rank of full professor by the University of Calabar. This makes him the first Nigerian Catholic priest to become a professor in the field of Business Management.
Professor Ada, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Ogoja, was elevated to the university’s highest academic rank after years of dedicated research and teaching. His promotion is seen as a significant milestone, merging scholarly excellence with a commitment to priesthood.
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Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Ada expressed profound gratitude, attributing his success to the grace of God. He thanked a wide range of supporters, including the University of Calabar community, political leaders, stakeholders and his research team.
The event’s chairman, Senator Jarigbe Agom, was represented by Professor Zana Akpagu, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, showing support from both political and academic spheres.
The ceremony drew notable figures from the community, including Honorable Peter Undiandeye, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, who welcomed the guests. The Obudu Council boss praised Professor Ada as a role model, noting his pride in seeing an Obudu native reach the pinnacle of academic achievement.
Among the distinguished attendees were the Royal Father of the Day, Chief Tony Undiandeye, Honorable Ken Aklah, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power. Representatives from the State Chairman of the PDP was also present, alongside numerous mentees and academic colleagues, underscoring the widespread admiration for Professor Ada’s celebrations.
Professor Ada’s journey is seen as a noteworthy career to the rewards of hard work and perseverance. His achievement is expected to inspire future generations of Nigerian scholars and clergy, demonstrating that deep commitment to both faith and education can lead to extraordinary success. The thanksgiving ceremony served not only as a celebration of a personal achievement, but also as a communal recognition of a historic moment for both the Church and the academic community in Nigeria.
