Ruth Andem of the Department of English and Literary Studies has emerged as the best graduating female student at the 36th Convocation of the University of Calabar, UNICAL.

The 24-year-old emerged with a CGPA of 4.65 to become the institution’s best graduating female student.

CONVERSEER reports that the convocation ceremony which was held on Friday at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, witnessed the graduation of a total of 10,117 students.

Among them were 218 recipients of National Diplomas, and 9,722 Bachelor’s Degrees, with notable distinctions of 46 First Class, 1,968 Second Class Upper Division, 6,439 Second Class Lower Division, 1,117 Third Class; while 152 graduates received a pass grade.

Reflecting on her journey, Ruth said she is humbled to have attained such a feat in her quest for educational pursuits.

“I feel really grateful and overwhelmed. I know I worked hard to be the best in my department, but being the best graduating female student wasn’t exactly part of the plan. It wasn’t an easy one,” she said.

According to her, “The first thing I was told when I got into the department of English and Literary Studies is that there hadn’t been a First Class in about 30 years. That alone was enough to stamp out any hopes of being amongst the best in the school.”

She expressed gratitude to God for divine direction throughout her academic journey and thanked her parents for standing by her throughout her sojourn at the University of Calabar.

“I dedicate this achievement to my parents who have been my biggest motivation in large and in little ways. I can’t forget the smile on their faces when I was called the best graduating female student on Friday,” she added.

A total of 12 females were awarded 1st Class degrees while 34 males also got 1st Class degrees.

This year’s 36th convocation ceremony surpasses last year’s 35th ceremony which saw only a total of 11 graduates with First Class Honours.