Author: Umoh Samuel

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…

The Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), University of Calabar, Senator Egbeji Uchechukwu Pascaline, has announced the appointments into key offices of the student union administration. In a statement dated June 30, 2026, the Vice President said the appointments align with the administration’s vision of building a focused, responsive, and purpose-driven government committed to effective student representation. According to the statement, the appointees were selected based on competence, loyalty, and commitment to service, with confidence expressed in their ability to support the vision of the Bridge Coalition 2026. Read also UNICAL SUG Dissolves Unauthorized Task Forces, Warns Against Illegal…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and Shanghai Ocean University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, blue economy development, and capacity building across Africa. The agreement, signed on 12 May 2026 during an official visit to Shanghai, is expected to support Africa’s drive toward sustainable economic growth by unlocking the vast potential of its blue economy. The MoU was signed on behalf of the African Development Bank Group by Jacques Edjangue, Vice President for People and Talent Management, while Dr. Wei Hu, President of Shanghai Ocean University, signed for the…

China has approved the establishment of Africa’s first continent-wide Renminbi (RMB) trading hub, marking a significant milestone in efforts to expand direct Yuan-based trade across the African continent. The initiative will enable businesses and financial institutions in 19 African countries to settle cross-border transactions directly in Chinese Yuan, eliminating the need to first convert payments through the U.S. dollar. The move is expected to reduce transaction costs, improve settlement speed, and enhance trade efficiency. Under the new framework, Standard Bank Group, in partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), will serve as Africa’s Renminbi Clearing Bank. The…

The Office of the Director of Welfare, Students’ Union Government (SUG), University of Calabar, has officially dissolved all unauthorized task forces, committees, and groups operating without approval from the current administration. In a memorandum dated 29 June 2026 and signed by the Director of Welfare, Sen. Fabian Eze Ejike (Fabzee), the university community was informed that no task force has been constituted or inaugurated by the Office of the Director of Welfare since the inception of the current administration. According to the directive, any individual or group claiming to represent the Office of the Director of Welfare, enforce regulations, or…

The Cross River State Government has initiated efforts to strengthen blood transfusion services and improve access to safe blood through a proposed partnership with Crimson Wing Blood Logistics, a healthcare organization specializing in blood collection, screening, storage, and distribution. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this during a meeting with representatives of the organization in Calabar on Wednesday, describing the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing one of the most critical gaps in the state’s healthcare system. Ayuk noted that despite the life-saving importance of safe blood, Cross River State has operated for more than two…

Cross River State has secured the hosting rights for the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship, a milestone credited to the state government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure under Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. The Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr. Etta Lawrence Itanya, disclosed this during a meeting at the VIP Lounge of the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar. He commended Governor Otu for approving and releasing funds for the renovation of the State Box and the upgrade of key facilities at the stadium. According to Itanya, the governor’s timely intervention was instrumental in securing…