Author: Umoh Samuel

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has described alumni associations as a major driving force behind the growth and development of universities.Prof. Offiong stated this when members of the Caretaker Committee of the NEST Chapter of the University of Calabar Alumni Association paid a courtesy visit to the university management.The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Ekaete Enang, said alumni associations occupy a strategic position in advancing the developmental goals of institutions.According to him, alumni should be encouraged to harness their potentials and resources towards the growth of their alma…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed concerns by some All Progressives Congress governors that the proposed Rainbow Coalition could weaken the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.Wike, who spoke on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout on Monday, said the coalition was primarily focused on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and would not prevent politicians from supporting candidates of their choice in governorship and legislative elections.He argued that supporting Tinubu for president did not necessarily mean abandoning candidates contesting under other political parties.Wike cited the experience of the G5 governors during the 2023 elections, saying…

The Senate of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended nine students for one academic session following their involvement in examination misconduct.The suspension was conveyed in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Chukwuka Icha, based on the recommendations of the Senate Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).According to the letter, the affected students have been suspended for the 2026/2027 academic session and are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session.The affected students are Ogabi Christabel Emmanuel (20244008945TR), Atim Sarah Mofam (202550738391DF), Wasim Kumato (22/038144152), Onum Kingsley Evela (20255029158HA), and Reuben David Chinonso (202440673839IA), all of the…

France captain and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has ended his long-standing partnership with Nike after signing a new deal with Swiss sportswear company On. On announced the partnership on Friday, describing Mbappe’s signing as a key part of its entry into the football market. The company also appointed former France international and 1998 World Cup winner Thierry Henry as its football director. On said it plans to launch its first football boots next year as it expands into the sport. However, the company did not disclose the financial terms of its agreement with Mbappe. The partnership marks the end…

UEFA and CONCACAF have urged FIFA to release at least $10 million to each of its 211 member associations from its accumulated reserves for the 2027–30 cycle. According to BBC Sport, the presidents of UEFA and CONCACAF, Aleksander Čeferin and Victor Montagliani, made the request in a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, arguing that FIFA is in a strong enough financial position to make the one-off distribution. The proposed payment would cost FIFA approximately $2.11 billion and would be separate from the organisation’s regular funding for the 2027–30 cycle. The letter stated that FIFA was “on course to close…

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned Nigerians against malicious electronic messages falsely claiming that recipients have violated traffic rules or committed related offences. The Commission said the messages were designed to create fear and a sense of urgency, prompting unsuspecting members of the public to click on malicious links, disclose personal information or follow harmful instructions. In an advisory signed by the Head of the Media Unit, Itunu Dosekun, and posted on its X handle on Friday, the NDPC said such malicious communications were previously circulated largely through phishing emails but could now be transmitted through various electronic…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) branch, has suspended the industrial action it embarked on May 19, 2026, bringing to an end about 8 weeks of academic disruption. The decision to suspend the strike was reached on Tuesday 21 July, 2026, during an emergency Congress of the Union held at the Calabar campus of the university. According to reports, the development follows sustained engagements between the University Management, the Cross River State Government, and the leadership of the Union aimed at resolving the issues that triggered the industrial dispute. As part of the…

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 39-year-old man, Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, for allegedly posing as a medical doctor. He is also accused operating an illegal mobile clinic, and defrauding members of the public with false promises of employment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). The suspect was apprehended by officers attached to the Uwanse Division in Calabar South following a complaint filed by a victim, Mrs. Edemawan Samuel, who accused him of collecting five hundred thousand (500,000) Naira after claiming he could secure jobs for her children at UCTH. Read more UNICAL SUG President Pays Courtesy…

The Office of the Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), University of Calabar, has officially launched the Bridge Coalition Vice Presidents’ Forum as part of efforts to strengthen student leadership, improve communication, and fulfill the vision of the Bridge Coalition administration. According to a press release issued on Sunday, July 12, 2026, the initiative is designed to bring the Students’ Union Government closer to Malabites and Malabresses while promoting students’ welfare through strategic collaboration with student leaders across the institution. Read also UNICAL SUG President Pays Courtesy Visit to Cross River Police PPRO The forum brings together all serving…

The Executive President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), University of Calabar, Sen. Ebong Vordina Francis, has paid a courtesy visit to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday A. Eitokpah, MNISMA, in a move aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Students’ Union Government and the Nigeria Police Force. The SUG President was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Comr. Wisdom Abraham; Director of Information, Comr. Edama Jude; Chief Press Secretary, Comr. Okonkwo Goodluck Olisaemeka; Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Comr. Samuel Chukwumobi; and the General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Campus…

The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, has donated a Starlink internet facility to his native Bendeghe Ekim community in Etung Local Government Area, in a move aimed at expanding digital access and promoting connectivity among residents. The initiative, a personal, non-profit intervention by the Commissioner, is designed to provide free high-speed internet services to the community as part of his commitment to grassroots development and in support of the People First philosophy of Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s Season of Sweetness administration. The Starlink facility has been installed at the Cocoa Roundabout in Upmarket Bendeghe Ekim…

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life of citizens across the state. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu made the pledge on Saturday during the official flag-off of the construction of the 10-kilometre Ugboro–Ukpah–Afrike Road in Bekwarra Local Government Area. Addressing residents, traditional rulers, and stakeholders at the event, Rt. Hon. Odey described the project as another major milestone in the implementation of the Governor’s People First agenda. He noted that…

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has directed contractors handling major infrastructure projects across the Calabar metropolis to accelerate work despite the ongoing rainy season, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering quality projects within schedule. The Governor gave the directive on Wednesday during an inspection tour of ongoing road and drainage projects, including the Parliamentary Extension Road and the Cultural Centre renovation, where he assessed the quality and progress of work. Speaking after inspecting the Parliamentary Extension Road, Governor Otu said he met with the contractor to confirm his readiness to continue construction despite the rains and urged…

Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the constitution of the Cross River State Bursary Steering Committee to oversee the effective implementation of the state’s bursary programme. The development was announced in a press release issued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Linus Obogo. The committee is chaired by the Chairman of the Cross River State Scholarship Board, Prof. Paul Itari. Other members are Comrade Kelvin Enyam, Mr. Matthew Ochiche, and Comrade Abini Okoi, while Dr. Emmanuel Duke will serve as…

The Wife of the Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the State Drug Control Committee, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to combating substance abuse through stronger partnerships, preventive education and innovative interventions aimed at building a healthier, drug-free society. Speaking at the 2026 World Drug Day commemoration organised by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP), Cross River State, Mrs Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Education and Vice Chairman of the State Drug Control Committee, Prof. Stephen Odey, said the government remains resolute in protecting young people from the dangers of drug…

The Executive President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), University of Calabar, Sen. Ebong Vordina Francis, has approved the constitution of a five-member Judiciary Screening Committee to oversee the screening and recommendation of qualified candidates for appointment into the Union’s judiciary. The appointment was announced on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, through a statement referenced UCC/SUG/001/026/007, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the SUG President, Comr. Okonkwo Goodluck Olisaemeka. According to the statement, the committee is mandated to conduct a transparent, credible, and thorough screening process to identify qualified, competent, and dedicated individuals who will serve in the Students’ Union…