The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has strengthened its collaboration with key emergency management agencies following an assessment of flood-affected areas within and around the University community.
The engagement, held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, brought together officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society to assess the impact of flooding on residents and University facilities, as well as explore practical measures to mitigate future occurrences.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, at the engagement. Also present were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Stella Maris Okey, and other members of the University Management.
The visiting delegation was led by the Director-General of SEMA, Mr. Efa Nyong, who explained that the agencies had received a communication from the University concerning the flooding and its effects on people living within the University environment.
Mr. Nyong stated that the purpose of the visit was to obtain a firsthand assessment of the situation and determine appropriate measures to address the challenges. He therefore requested that the delegation be taken round the affected areas.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ojikpong expressed appreciation to SEMA, NEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society for their prompt response to the University's appeal for assistance.
He commended the agencies for their proactive intervention, noting that their visit would help provide a clearer understanding of the extent of the flooding and facilitate appropriate disaster-management measures.
Prof. Ojikpong explained that the runoff from surrounding areas of UNICROSS and other distant parts of Calabar enters the University environment and, rather than being properly channelled into the river, spreads across affected areas because of blocked drainage channels and collapsed pavements. The resulting accumulation and stagnation of water, he noted, have contributed significantly to the flooding experienced in parts of the University community.
Following the meeting, the delegation, accompanied by members of the University Management, embarked on an inspection of the affected locations.
The inspection revealed the extent of damage caused by the flooding, including damage to residential buildings and personal property. Some houses had been deserted because of repeated flooding, leaving residents facing displacement, property losses and significant inconvenience.
One of the affected residents, who requested anonymity, said some building walls were not sufficiently high or strong enough to withstand the floodwater. The resident called for the walls to be heightened or reinforced to prevent water from entering the buildings.
At another location, the delegation observed personal belongings that had been soaked by floodwater. Residents explained that occupants of the affected building had at one point become trapped inside and were forced to escape through an alternative route, leaving some of their belongings behind.
At the conclusion of the assessment, the stakeholders agreed on a number of measures to address the immediate challenges and reduce the risk of future flooding.
Among the measures agreed upon are the reconstruction and desilting of affected pavements and drainage systems, as well as the clearing of blocked gutters.
The stakeholders also emphasised the importance of community participation in flood prevention. Residents were encouraged to assist in removing dirt and debris from drainage channels and, importantly, to avoid indiscriminate disposal of refuse in gutters and waterways.
The intervention is expected to contribute to improved disaster preparedness, risk reduction and emergency response within the University community.
The development is also in line with the administration's emphasis on the safety and welfare of members of the University community. Under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, the University's engagement with SEMA, NEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross Society demonstrates the importance attached to addressing environmental and safety challenges through collaboration with relevant professional and government institutions.
The meeting ended with a commitment by the stakeholders to pursue the agreed remedial measures and encourage greater community responsibility in maintaining drainage infrastructure and preventing practices that could worsen flooding.
- UNICROSS Media Team
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