Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that creating special or reserved seats for women in state assemblies and the National Assembly is not tokenism but a step toward inclusive governance that guarantees equitable participation.
Kalu, who sponsored the constitutional amendment bill seeking to increase women’s representation in Parliament, said the measure would help build a more just and balanced society.
Speaking at a special dialogue on the reserved seats bill hosted by Emerge Women Development Initiative under the theme “Deepening the Conversation, Accelerating Women’s Representation in Governance”, Kalu — represented by his Chief of Staff, Sam Hart — said the bill reflects a collective commitment to promoting women’s inclusion in governance.
He stressed the need for honest conversations and stronger advocacy to dismantle systemic barriers limiting women’s political participation.
Kalu also commended women who have broken barriers and impacted society, reaffirming Parliament’s resolve to push for policies that see women not as tokens but as true partners in governance.
Kalu said, “I bring you warm compliments from the People’s House, the House of Representatives, and the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. This event is not just a moment in time, but a movement toward justice, equality, and empowerment.
“The theme compels us to reflect on the journey we have embarked upon, a journey marked by courage, resilience, and determination to ensure that women’s voices are not only heard but amplified in the halls of power.
“The Reserved Seats Bill, HB 1349, sponsored by me and cosponsored by some members of the House, is a legislative effort that seeks to carve out a dedicated space for women in our governance structures.
“As Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, I believe it is essential to examine the provisions of our Constitution and ensure that they promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Hence, we have considered this bill that would create reserved seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly, promote inclusive Governance, enhance women’s political representation, and address gender disparities in our governance framework.
“This bill is not just a piece of legislation nor an act of tokenism; it is proof of our collective commitment to change the narrative and to disrupt the status quo that has long sidelined women from decision-making tables.
“We must examine the electoral laws, party politics, and societal norms that hinder women’s representation. We therefore must work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable political environment that encourages women to participate and thrive.
“As we deep dive into these discussions today, let us remember that the struggle for women’s representation is not merely a fight for gender balance but a pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society. It is a call to harness the untapped potential of half of our population who have the insight, compassion, and perspective to lead with empathy and vision.
“Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unflinching belief in the power of women to transform our world. Together, let us continue to deepen the conversation, accelerate representation, and create a legacy of equality and empowerment for generations to come.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that Nigeria loses approximately $1.1 billion annually to outbound medical tourism.
Kalu made the disclosure on Friday while hosting Dr. Phillip Ozuah, President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in Abuja.
He stressed that despite the progress made under the current administration, government efforts alone are not enough to transform the country’s health sector.
He emphasised the need for strategic partnerships between Nigeria and global health experts to retain such substantial funds within the local economy.
Kalu proposed the establishment of a specialized Medical Research and Training Centre in Nigeria to focus on critical areas such as cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, infectious diseases, and medical technology innovation.
The proposed center, modeled after top global institutions, would involve collaboration with the Federal Government and reputable local investors.
Highlighting the dire state of healthcare in rural Nigeria, Kalu noted that over 30,000 primary healthcare centers remain poorly equipped.
He said support from Montefiore Medicine, including donations of modern equipment and surplus technology from the U.S., could significantly improve healthcare delivery in underserved areas.
He also emphasized the potential of Nigeria’s highly skilled medical diaspora, proposing knowledge exchange initiatives, training fellowships, research collaborations, telemedicine platforms, and AI-driven diagnostic tools to allow contributions to the domestic health system without the need for permanent relocation.
Kalu emphasised the critical role of the private sector in bridging Nigeria’s healthcare investment gap and proposed the exploration of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with Montefiore Medicine to facilitate sustainable and mutually beneficial investments in healthcare infrastructure.
He said further that “Nigeria’s annual medical tourism bill, which once exceeded $1.6 billion, is now trending downward. Montefiore’s collaboration can accelerate this by developing centers of excellence that meet global standards and retain patients locally”.
He stressed that the country was currently witnessing a historic moment in Nigeria’s healthcare journey, saying “on June 5, 2025, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) was inaugurated in Abuja, with a $300 million partnership between Afreximbank, King’s College Hospital London, and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
“This 170-bed facility, expanding to 500 beds, is the largest specialist private hospital in West Africa. It features five operating theatres, three catheter labs, West Africa’s largest ICU, a dedicated bone marrow transplant unit, and advanced laboratories.
“The AMCE houses Nigeria’s first 3T MRI, West Africa’s only PET/SPECT CT, two linear accelerators, and a brachytherapy machine, technologies previously unavailable on the continent.
“The AMCE will serve over 350,000 patients in its first five years, create 3,000 jobs, and provide clinical training and research opportunities for Nigerian professionals. Its mission is to reduce outbound medical tourism, strengthen local capacity, and foster intra-African medical excellence.
“Clinical support from King’s and oncology advisory from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust ensures that the highest standards of care are maintained. Plans are underway for a new medical and nursing school in partnership with King’s College London, further strengthening Nigeria’s health workforce.
“With a population exceeding 220 million, 60% of whom are under 25, Nigeria offers significant returns on healthcare investment. Strengthening our health sector is not just a national imperative, but a regional and global necessity”.
Kalu said further that “Health is the only form of wealth that cannot be regained once lost. A nation’s hospitals and clinics are critical infrastructure in safeguarding lives against diseases and poor health outcomes.
“Regardless of the quality of our laws or the scale of our budgets, if preventable deaths continue, if maternal mortality remains high, and if citizens cannot recover from treatable illnesses, our development remains incomplete.
“In the 10th House of Representatives, health is regarded as central to national security, human capital development, and economic progress.
“The World Health Organisation estimates that every dollar invested in health returns four dollars in productivity gains. Nigeria has made notable strides. Wild polio has been eradicated, maternal and child health services have expanded, and tertiary health institutions are reaching more Nigerians than ever before.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government has committed to bold reforms and citizen-focused policies, with the 2024 national budget allocating over ₦1.33 trillion to the health sector, the largest in our history.
“Yet, budgets alone do not deliver outcomes; resilient systems do. These systems must be purposefully designed, adequately equipped, and consistently strengthened through clear policy, sustained investment, and innovative partnerships”.
He said the the 10th National Assembly has taken significant steps which include ensuring that health coverage becomes mandatory under the NHIA Act; expanding the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to support primary healthcare nationwide and modernising obsolete health laws.
In addition, he said local pharmaceutical research is being promoted to boost domestic manufacturing, unifing the Health Infrastructure Development and Regulation Bill to ensure standards across the sector, advancing Medical Residency Training Fund (Amendment) Bill to stem brain drain while the National Assembly Clinic was commissioned as a model for public-sector healthcare delivery.
Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu has said that the House was committed to granting more autonomy to local government councils in the country.
Kalu said the constitution review process is focusing attention on devolving powers to local governments and enable them to control their development agendas, adding that the essential aim is to promote grassroots development, accountability, and effective service delivery.
Kalu spoke when the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide led by its President-General, Yuccee Otah Uwah visited him in Abuja.
He said local communities must organise and prioritise their needs to enable governments respond accordingly.
He said: “As we gather here today, let us be reminded: The destiny of a nation is shaped not only by its leaders, but also by the unity of its communities.
“The House of Representatives, under the leadership of the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and myself as Deputy Speaker, is committed to inclusive governance, rural development, and strategic community empowerment.
“To this end, the Constitution Review process is focusing on increased devolution of powers and improved local government autonomy. This will empower communities like Abiriba to have more direct control over their development agenda. We are pushing for policy reforms that ensure equitable access to federal infrastructure in underrepresented zones.
“I have personally advocated for grassroots development in the national budget for local projects in roads, schools, healthcare, and youth empowerment. Community-led skills training initiatives such as those led by ACIU are vital in filling this gap. That is why when communities organize, governments must prioritise”.
Speaking on the demand for the creation of a new local government area out of Ohafia, the Deputy Speaker urged the Abiriba community to follow the established constitutional process, emphasizing that adherence to due process would ensure fair consideration of their request.
“The issue of Local Government creation, some of them here are members of the Constitution Review Committee, which I’m charing.
“There is a process. If you have submitted your documents within the timeline that we gave, it would be considered. If you didn’t, it may not be considered. So, I will ask the Clerk if it was submitted within that period, so we’ll know how to look at the Local Government creation,” he said.
The President-General, solicited Kalu’s support to enable the community to get Abiriba local government area amongst other needs.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin, an America Diplomat and Writer.
For centuries, universities have been revered as bastions of knowledge, incubators of innovation, and catalysts of progress. Beyond their role in shaping individual minds, they also have a profound impact on the communities and nations they serve.
From addressing pressing societal challenges to driving economic growth, universities are increasingly recognized as essential partners in the pursuit of a better world. By harnessing their intellectual capital, research capabilities, and community engagement initiatives, universities can become powerful agents of transformation.
In Nigeria, for instance, universities are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the country’s development challenges and set the country on a progressive pedestal. Through cutting-edge research, collaborative partnerships, and community outreach programs, these institutions can help to tackle pressing issues such as healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
These were the ideas and ideals canvassed by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives who was a guest lecturer at the 37th convocation ceremony of University of Calabar, Cross River State on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Titled “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centred Education, The Mandate of Our Universities, 2025-2075,” Kalu delivered a thought-provoking convocation lecture that coincided with the University’s 50th anniversary, forecasting Nigeria’s future through the transformative impact of universities over the next 50 years.
The Deputy Speaker posited that in a world where change is the only constant, education stands as a beacon of hope that can illuminate the path to progress and prosperity.
Undoubtedly, the impact of education is multifaceted, influencing not only individual lives but also the fabric of society. It empowers minds, fosters critical thinking, and encourages innovation. Education is the cornerstone upon which civilizations are built, shaping the leaders of tomorrow and equipping them with the skills necessary to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving world.
For Kalu, the knowledge acquired from the citadels of learning prepares one to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.
Enveloped in a wave of nostalgia, the Deputy Speaker stood proudly in Calabar, basking in the thunderous applause from his classmates and other dignitaries in the audience who had gathered en masse to show their solidarity. As a distinguished alumnus, having graduated 27 years ago from the esteemed faculty of law, class of ’98, he embodied the true spirit of the university.
With heartfelt emotion, Kalu shared his poignant reflections, saying that education was evolving, his words resonating deeply, inspiring the young minds and rekindling cherished memories among his peers and indeed, everyone present in the massive hall of Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC), venue of the convocation lecture.
He said: “But as we celebrate this institution’s 50-year legacy, we must recognize that education is evolving. The gown that once walked in town must now navigate cyberspace. When I was a student, technology was a distant dream. We only had a few computers, we searched library shelves for books and found knowledge by sheer luck, we wrote our notes in longhand and treasured them like gold. Today, information moves at the speed of light, knowledge is available at the click of a button, the world has become a digital campus, and screens have become classrooms.
“Yet, with all these advancements, one thing must never change. Education must remain human-centered. Technology must be our servant, not our master. And as we look ahead to the next fifty years, we must ask ourselves: what is the mandate of our universities from 2025 to 2075? How do we sustain quality education in an ever-changing world? How do we ensure that technology serves humanity and not the other way round?
“These are the questions we must answer today. And with that, let us begin our journey into the heart of this lecture. At its core, this topic: ‘Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centred Education, The Mandate of Our Universities, 2025-2075′, invites us to reflect on a simple yet profound idea. Our ‘gown’ represents the academic robe. ‘Our gown in town’ is a symbol of our commitment to education that transcends the boundaries of the classroom and impacts the very fabric of our communities.
“Our universities were established as engines of progress. Today, however, we face problems highlighting a disconnect between academia and everyday life. These problems arise not from a lack of intellect but from a misalignment with society’s needs, as teaching and learning have long been measured solely by academic metrics—the length of dissertations, the complexity of theories, and the splendor of research—rather than their real-world impact.
“The challenge before us is clear: our universities must move beyond theory to practical impact, bringing the “gown” into the “town”—and now, into cyberspace—where knowledge is applied and ideas ignite change. In his seminal book, The School and Society, John Dewey emphasizes the need for education to evolve in tandem with societal changes, cautioning against outdated teaching methods that fail to prepare students for future challenges.
“The true measure of education is its impact on the town. How many university projects directly tackle local challenges like power, healthcare, water access, food security, or transportation? If universities do not first serve their own communities, their achievements risk remaining confined to ivory towers.
“Our research must offer tangible solutions, while graduates must be equipped to address real issues, from policy refinement to sustainable transportation. If the town does not feel the impact of our “gown,” our education is incomplete.
“Our universities are more than centers of learning; they are the backbone of our communities and nation. Their value lies not in certificates but in real-world impact. Institutions must go beyond academic debates, producing research that shapes policies proactively rather than reacting to crises. They should serve as policy hubs, not just locally but globally, proving that when education meets innovation, solutions follow.”
The Deputy Speaker further emphasized that the integration of technology into education has further amplified its impact. According to him, the digital revolution has since democratized access to knowledge, enabling students from all corners of the globe to engage with world-class educational resources.
To this end, online platforms, virtual labs, and interactive tools have transformed the learning experience, making it more immersive, effective, and inclusive.
Kalu also cites some real-world examples, illustrating the profound impact of education on community development.
He said that initiatives such as MIT’s D-Lab, Stanford’s StartX accelerator, and the University of Cape Town’s Water Research Commission demonstrate how academic innovation can be harnessed to address pressing societal challenges, drive economic growth, and improve lives.
“Education must be lifelong. In my own experience, when I was in school, we had only a handful of computers. We used typewriters, not laptops. Today, I am still learning, still evolving. If we expect students to prepare for the future, our educators must also be students themselves. As Alvin Toffler wisely said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
“Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about applying it to shape the future. If our universities fail to adapt, we risk producing graduates unprepared for the world they will inherit.
“Global Examples: Education as a Catalyst for Community Transformation: This is not only applicable in Nigeria; around the world, universities are redefining their roles by aligning research with community needs, and here are a few examples: MIT’s D-Lab: At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the D-Lab initiative has reached over 30 countries, developing low-cost technologies that empower rural communities. By training students to devise sustainable solutions—from solar-powered irrigation systems to low-cost medical devices—MIT has demonstrated that academic excellence and community impact can go hand in hand.
Stanford and Silicon Valley: Stanford University is not only a hub of academic innovation but also a critical driver of economic development in Silicon Valley. With its StartX accelerator, Stanford has helped launch over 200 startups whose collective venture capital funding exceeds $10 billion. This integration of entrepreneurial spirit with academic research has transformed local communities and set a global benchmark for service exports.
“University of Cape Town (UCT): In South Africa, UCT’s Water Research Commission works directly with local municipalities to improve water management. Their projects have directly benefited over a million people by developing strategies to combat water scarcity and improve sanitation—illustrating the direct social impact of focused, community-oriented research.
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): In India, IITs have created incubators that have catalyzed more than 500 startups, generating billions of dollars in revenue. Their approach has not only enhanced local agricultural productivity through smart farming techniques, but also positioned India as a major exporter of technical expertise and services.
“Wageningen University: In the Netherlands, Wageningen University’s cutting-edge agricultural research has been instrumental in boosting yields for smallholder farmers globally, underscoring the power of targeted research in solving real-world food security challenges.
“These examples make it clear: when universities adapt their “gown” to meet the needs of their communities, innovation flourishes, and local challenges become opportunities for transformative change”, he said.
Succinctly put, Kalu’s lecture basically emphasized producing graduates equipped to address real-world issues; conducting research with tangible impact; preparing students for a rapidly changing world; fostering innovation and entrepreneurship; addressing societal challenges; embracing digital transformation and prioritize lifelong learning.
By adopting this forward-thinking approach, universities can empower students to drive positive impact and transformation.
Nwabughiogu is Chief Press Secretary to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives
Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said on Wednesday, May 22, that the Nigerian youths play a defining role in achieving development and security in the nation, saying that the youth remain the energy of the nation.
Speaking when Kalu received the leadership of the Green Assembly Initiative and Nigeria Youth Organization, in his office, Kalu said young people play a major role in shaping the future of our nation, as they are the driving force behind innovation, progress, and social change.
He also stated that without the youths, the potentials of the nation will be inactive but with the energy that comes with them, those potentials will be made kinetic and will drive the needed impact and outcome in the various sectors of our economy and policy implementation of the nation.
According to him, their fresh perspectives, energy, and idealism are instrumental in building a more secure, prosperous, and unified Nigeria.
Kalu commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to harnessing youth potential.
He stated that Tinubu, as a head hunter who hunts for the best brain among the youth, has consciously engaged the youth with responsibilities for which they have carried on well and have not disappointed the president.
He emphasized that the President has assigned various responsibilities to the youth, including ministerial positions, and they are performing well.
He added that the nation’s leader is purposeful in leveraging the energy that the youth bring.
The deputy speaker, urged the group to deepen the parliament’s understanding of their work and explore ways to collaborate on issues that are critical to the future of Nigeria, so as to ensure a brighter future for young Nigerians and our nation as a whole
Kalu said: “It is with delight that I welcome you all to the People’s House. It is a pleasure to receive representatives of the Green Assembly Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Organization. The members and leadership of the House of Representatives are deeply appreciative of the kind words you extended regarding our contributions to national security, peace, and unity.
“These are indeed critical areas that demand focused commitment, and we recognize the valuable role young Nigerians play in achieving these goals. The Green Assembly Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Organization provide a platform for constructive dialogue among young Nigerians. Your commitment to empowering youth through nation-building, entrepreneurship, security awareness, and promoting national unity is truly commendable.
“The House of Representatives recognizes the vital role young people play in shaping the future of our nation. You are the driving force behind innovation, progress, and social change. Your fresh perspectives, energy, and idealism are instrumental in building a more secure, prosperous, and unified Nigeria.
“The House committee on youth development is actively engaged in initiatives that empower and support young Nigerians. The House plays a role in youth development through law-making, representation, and oversight.
“Therefore, I implore the National Youth Organization and the Green Assembly Initiative to establish lines of communication with the House Committee on Youth Development as a pathway for partnership with the House of Representatives, and the National Assembly as a whole.
“Having you think and align with the same mandate and National objectives of this administration is a step toward the right direction. Once again, I extend a warm welcome to the leadership of the GAI and NYO.”
Earlier, the groups led by its president, Amb. Duka Alamboye commended the Deputy Speaker on the efforts he’s making to ensure peace and security in the Southeast.
He added that the organisation wants to work with his office, towards youth development, and build the Nigeria we are all hoping for.
“On behalf of the Nigerian youth we thank you. I want to tell you that as an organized youth body, we’ve outlined our activities for the year, by June 12 we’ll join Nigeria to celebrate the democratic day. We want to use that day to appreciate and give national youth awards to deserving Nigerians. As we work towards youth development, we want to identify with you, so that together we’ll build the Nigeria we are all hoping for.
“Very soon we’ll be having the day of the African child, that’s a program we take to heart, we have noticed that in our country, due to the level of not applying interest in informal education. We are focused on skills acquisition to empower our youths to have jobs so we have fewer unemployed youths. We also help victims of domestic violence, we also teach the youth how to leave the world of crime and show more interest in using skills to better their lives.”
