Detailing News

The Sector Commander Corps Commander Innocent Tommy Etuk has restated the commitment of the Corps in maintaining a zero tolerance against reckless driving, particularly by truck drivers along Odukpani-Itu road in respect to the incessant cases of fatal crashes and avoidable loss of lives along that stretch. Following the recent crash involving students of the University Of Cross River ( UNICROSS) leaving four victims death, six injured and on admission in Aruba hospital and UCTH respectively, Sector Commander described the actions of some truck drivers as devastating and avoidable noting that, brake failure, wrongful overtaking, excessive speed and loss of control by heavy duty vehicles have continued to account for multiple deaths and injuries on the highways. While strongly condemning the bad driving behaviour of the truck drivers, the Sector Commander further called on all relevant stakeholders to partner with the FRSC in concerting efforts geared towards promoting strict enforce...

  The Management, staff, students and the entire University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) community have received with profound sadness the news of a tragic road accident involving twenty-four (24) students and one (1) staff member of the University. The students, mostly members of the executive body of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), were returning from an official assignment in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when the unfortunate incident occurred at Odukpani Local Government Area. Regrettably, the accident claimed the lives of three students and one staff member. The deceased have been identified as Comrade Solomon Uya, Director of Sports of the Students’ Union Government; Comrade Lucky Erim, Department of Chemistry and President of the Faculty of Physical Sciences Students’ Association as well as President of Presidents; Comrade Favour Darlington of the Department of Educational Management; and Mr. Anthony Arikpo, the driver of the vehicle and a staff member of the University. Su...

The University of Cross River State( UNICROSS) Alumni Association has received with deep sorrow the heartbreaking news of the tragic auto crash that occurred in Odukpani involving students returning from an official trip to Uyo. We mourn the painful loss of three promising students and a staff member whose lives were cut short in the unfortunate incident.  On behalf of alumni across the world, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, the management of the university, the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues affected by this tragedy. This painful incident has left the entire university community in grief and disbelief. Our thoughts and prayers are with the 21 other students currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state. We pray for God’s healing hands upon them and wish them quick and full recovery.  We also commend the medical personnel and all emergency responders including the VC and her deputies, the Dea...

  A young entrepreneur, Dr. Ugbe Margaret Utsunung popularly known as Chelsy has officially declared her intention to contest for the Obudu State Constituency seat in the 11th Cross River State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a declaration message addressed to the people of Obudu, Ugbe said her decision was driven by gratitude, experience, and a deep commitment to people-centred representation.  She noted that her aspiration is rooted in her early exposure to legislative work during her time as Secretary to the Director of Administration at the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission over a decade ago. According to her, that experience shaped her understanding of public office as a platform for service, representation, and impact, adding that she has since combined entrepreneurship with active political participation and party engagement. According to her, “My passion for legislative service was inspired by my expe...

  The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), in collaboration with the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), has concluded a four-day capacity-building programme for lecturers and technologists in the institution’s Faculty of Engineering. The training was designed to enhance professional competence by exposing participants to modern teaching methodologies and aligning instructional practices with contemporary accreditation standards. A major focus of the programme was Outcome-Based Education (OBE), an approach that focuses on measurable learning outcomes, practical competencies, and continuous assessment in engineering education. In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Professor Simon Odey, underscored the need for continuous learning and adaptability among lecturers. He encouraged participants to embrace innovation and integrate new approaches into their teaching. Professor Odey said: "This training equips faculty with es...

  At a media and stakeholders’ engagement in Calabar on Wednesday, the 29th Day of April 2026, former Cross River Commissioner for Health and ex-Deputy National Coordinator of the National Cash Transfer Office, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, decried the state’s low participation in the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, revealing that only about 150 youths have registered. The engagement, which took place yesterday, April 29, 2026, at Prof. Eyo Ita House, brought together key stakeholders across government, finance, and the development sector to chart a collaborative path toward job creation and innovation. A renewed push to tackle unemployment through innovation was also highlighted, with a strong focus on identifying and supporting unconventional innovators, particularly women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalised communities. Speaking during the event, Catherine emphasized that the initiative is designed to promote practical, community-driven solutions th...

  Youth leaders under the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South Local Government Areas, in collaboration with university students from the constituency, have declared a loss of confidence in the current member representing the federal constituency at the House of Representatives. The declaration was made on April 29, 2026, during a joint press briefing at the NUJ Press Centre, Calabar. The group cited lack of bursary opportunities, poor youth inclusion and what they described as weak engagement with constituents as key reasons for their stance. Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Sebastian Edet Ekpenyong, former Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, said the youths were dissatisfied with the level of democratic dividends and alleged marginalisation in governance processes. He stressed that the time had come for a generational transition, noting that the youths would n...

  The Cross River State Government has issued a comprehensive public safety advisory following the release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, outlined the state’s strategy to mitigate the impacts of the predicted weather patterns. According to the NiMet 2026 SCP, most of Nigeria is expected to experience normal to above-normal rainfall. Notably, Cross River is listed among the states - including Borno, Sokoto, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom - anticipated to receive higher-than-average precipitation volumes. Dr. Ekpang pointed out that Cross River is also projected to experience a delayed end to the rainy season, alongside states like Lagos, Anambra, and Benue. This extension, coupled with an early-to-normal onset of rains, suggests a significantly longer wet s...

  Precious Jerry Akuma, a former student of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), has received her degree certificate following widespread attention to her viral TikTok videos highlighting a five-year delay in the processing of her results. In a newly released video, she described the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, as “a destiny helper,” commending her for swift intervention that led to the release of her results and those of other affected students. Her case gained public attention in February 2026 when she shared emotional videos detailing her experience.  In one clip, she said: “I am going to try not to cry. But I am so hurting… This is something I have not been able to say for the past five good years of my life. I studied Animal Science… I was supposed to graduate in 2020 but because of COVID-19 we couldn't graduate. We graduated in 2021… I have done everything concerning my education… Today is Day Ten of thirty days of speaking to my camera. This ...

  Support groups under the Suki umbrella have concluded plans to formally adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong ahead of the 2027 general elections. This decision was reached during a strategic meeting convened by Hon. Eric Anderson, where leaders deliberated on grassroots mobilization strategies to strengthen political support across the state. Addressing participants, Hon. Anderson emphasized that the meeting was aimed at consolidating efforts to galvanize widespread grassroots backing for the three leaders. He noted that coordinated engagement at the community level remains critical to achieving political success in the forthcoming elections. He announced that the formal adoption event is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Metropolitan Hotel (formerly Transcorp Hotel), Calabar, by 3:00 p.m.  According to him, the event will feature the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel I...

Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has called on Cross Riverians to take advantage of the innovative space provided by the Commission to engage in digital procurement systems.  Speaking on the just concluded training on "Policy Reforms and Digitalization of the NDDC Procurement System" held in Calabar, Orok underscored the importance of the training which according to him, would eliminate unwholesome practices in the procurement of contracts.  While delivering their lectures, guest lecturers, made up of seasoned academic giants and Legal Practitioners, gave in-depth, practical experience into the policy, presenting the step by step procurement procedures.  The lectures also guided the legal aspects of the policy documents with a view to arming the citizens on best practices for overall benefits.  With the theme "Promoting Best Procurement Practices and Digital System for NDDC", the e...

  In the evolving dynamics of our political landscape, the call for continuity in leadership often rises beyond mere preference, it becomes a collective conviction rooted in performance, trust, and results. For the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District, the growing demand for the re-election of Senator Eteng Jonah Williams is not just political, it is a reflection of proven leadership and a mandate shaped by impact. Since assuming office, Senator Williams has redefined representation through purposeful, people-centered governance. His tenure has been marked by strategic interventions in infrastructure, human capital development, and grassroots empowerment, delivering tangible benefits across communities. From facilitating over 40 federal jobs and political appointments for constituents, to securing 40 foreign scholarship placements across the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, his commitment to youth empowerment and expanding educational opportunities is evident. Thro...

  The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to advance research and student-focused initiatives that promote safer road use. The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Francisca Bassey, made the reaffirmation on Friday, April 24, 2026, when the Cross River State Sector Commander of the Corps, Corps Commander Innocent Etuk, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to her office. Prof. Bassey highlighted the importance of proper driver training, the use of standardized driving manuals, and the strict enforcement of traffic regulations as essential measures for reducing road accidents. She also called for FRSC support in managing traffic around the university, especially at the main gate, citing concerns over congestion, roadside trading, and environmental safety. Earlier, the FRSC Sector Commander outlined key areas of engagement, including strengthening institutional collaboration,...

  Stakeholders and party supporters in Ukelle,  Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Excellency Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Otu for second terms in office as Hon Dr  Martins Achadu, member representing Yala II State Constituency formally declared his intention to seek re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The endorsement took place during an endorsement rally convened by Hon Dr Martins Achadu at his country home in Ijiraga South Ukelle drew political leaders, party executives and community representatives from across Ukelle. Chairman of  Ukelle Leadership Forum, Hon. Dr John Ulafor in an interface with Ukelle Traditional Rulers Council, stakeholders and All Progressives Congress executives at both chapter and at the ward level as well as party supporters  said that while zoning remains a recognised principle in Ukelle the prevailing political realities and body languag...

Former Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, duly tendered his resignation from office, citing health reasons,  before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced his replacement on Tuesday. Also, the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, similarly resigned and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council. Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria. “It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda”, his letter read.  “Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. “I wish you and the administration every success in the future”, he wrote. On Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announce...

  History was recorded at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) on Friday April 23, 2026, as the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, was formally inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE).  The conferment makes her the first female Fellow of the Association in Cross River State. The induction followed a courtesy visit by a delegation of NATE officials, led by representatives of the national and state leadership.  Speaking, Professor Bassey expressed deep appreciation for the honour and acknowledged the Association’s support for the university’s developmental goals. She described the conferment as a collective achievement and commended NATE’s commitment to advancing technical education and manpower development.  The Vice Chancellor reiterated the university’s focus on strengthening academic standards and expanding international collaborations to ensure graduates are globally competitive. She highlighted o...

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Francisca Bassey, has announced the promotion of ten academic staff members across various faculties, following appraisal exercises that were conducted by External Assessors. This marks a significant development in the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and staff advancement. The announcement was made on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during an emergency meeting of the University’s Senate held at the Calabar campus. The Vice Chancellor announced that five lecturers have been elevated from the rank of Reader to Professor. They are: Professor Joseph Ukpata and Professor Nkpa Ogarekpe, both of the Department of Civil Engineering; Professor Adebisi Adesola of the Department of Accounting; Professor Sunday Ebaye of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies; and Professor Ferdinand Kamgba of the Department of Physics. In addition, five lecturers were promoted from the rank of Senior Lecturer to ...

  Staff and students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) are celebrating a major institutional milestone following the release of accreditation results by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, announced the results on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during an emergency Senate meeting held at the Calabar campus.  She announced that all academic programmes presented for accreditation in November and December 2025 received full accreditation, with the exception of one programme, which was granted Interim Accreditation. Programmes that secured full accreditation include Human Kinetics and Health Education, Urban and Regional Planning, Economics, Peace and Conflict Studies, Sociology, Banking and Finance, Entrepreneurship Studies, Marketing, Forestry and Wildlife, Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Animal and Environmental Biology, Industrial Chemistry, and Plant Scien...

  The Senate of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has officially announced the elevation of Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, to the rank of Associate Professor of Civil Engineering. The announcement, made during today’s Senate meeting of the institution, marks a significant milestone in the academic and professional journey of the respected engineer and scholar. Dr. Egbe’s elevation is in recognition of his contributions to the field of Civil Engineering, his academic output, and his commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community service. The news has been received with widespread joy and celebration among colleagues, friends, and well-wishers. Congratulations have continued to pour in for the new Associate Professor, who is widely regarded for his dedication and impact within the academic community. Massive congratulations to our dear brother, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, on this well-deserved achievement.

CROSS RIVER –AKWA IBOM OIL WELLS DISPUTE AND THE RECOGNITION OF WESTERN BAKASSI ISLANDS:  MAKING A CASE FOR LEGISLATIVE COLLABORATION AND RESOLUTION. The lingering dispute between Cross River State and its sister state, Akwa Ibom, over maritime boundaries and oil wells remains one of Nigeria’s most delicate subnational tensions.  More than two decades after the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment ceded the southern Bakassi Peninsula—including Atabong, Archibong Town, Akwabana, and the Akwayafe Estuary to Cameroon, critical questions surrounding the western Bakassi axis and associated oil assets remain unresolved. While the ICJ judgment ceded portions of Bakassi, it unequivocally retained the western Bakassi islands—Dayspring 1 and 2, Qua Island, Western Abana, and crucially, the Cross River Estuary within Nigeria’s sovereign territory.  This distinction is not merely cartographic; it is strategic, economic, and geopolitical. The delineation of boundaries us...