Author: Umoh Samuel

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…

The Cross River State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has conducted a mid-year review of the 2026 Budget and State Development Plan implementation as part of efforts to ensure that government programmes and expenditures remain aligned with the state’s long-term development priorities and the People First agenda of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu. Read also Cross River Government Orders Illegal Occupants to Vacate UNICROSS Land The review meeting, held at Dannic Hotel, Ekorinim, Calabar, brought together key stakeholders from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the State Planning Commission, State Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Justice, Office of the Accountant-General,…

A presidential aspirant of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Yakubu Kingsley, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the emergence of former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1234/2026, filed through his counsel, D.A. Sulyman, Kingsley joined the PRP, Duke, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as first, second, and third defendants respectively. Read also NANS Issues 10-Day Ultimatum Over Prolonged ASUU-UNICROSS Strike Kingsley is asking the court to nullify Duke’s nomination, arguing that the former governor was not a registered member of the…

The Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, on Saturday received former Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby, at Government House, Calabar, and later hosted him to a State Banquet at the Peregrino Hall. Welby, the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury who served as leader of the global Anglican Communion from 2013 to 2024, is in Nigeria as part of efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and national development. Speaking at the banquet, Governor Otu commended the former Archbishop for over four decades of engagement in Nigeria, describing…

The Cross River State College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu, has approved a 20 percent reduction in its pre-council examination fee following an advocacy visit by the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Cross River State Axis led by Comr. Victor Antigha Asuquo. The high-level delegation, led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students Orientation, Dr. Afufu Anthony Ogabor, alongside NANS JCC executives led by Comr. Victor Antigha Asuquo, visited the institution on Thursday, June 18, 2026, after weeks of engagement over concerns raised by students regarding examination fees. Read also NANS Issues…

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Cross River State Chapter, has expressed concern over the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) branch, and issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Cross River State Government to resolve the crisis. Read also NANS JCC CRS Faults Shortage OF JAMB CBT Centre Demand action after abduction of UTME Candidate In a statement signed by the Chairman of NANS JCC Cross River State, Victor Antigha Asuquo, on June 10, 2026, the student body described the strike, which began…

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, alongside the University Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Chukwuka Icha has visited China, where he, on behalf of the institution, signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading Chinese institutions to strengthen academic, research, innovation, and industry partnerships. The MoUS are expected to open new opportunities for students, researchers, and staff, while expanding UNICAL’s global academic footprints. During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor held strategic meetings with officials of partner institutions aimed at fostering collaborations in education, research, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship development. Read also UNICAL Electoral Commission Releases List of Cleared…

The Calabar University Electoral Commission (CUECO) has announced the rescheduling of key activities in the ongoing 2026 Students’ Union Government (SUG) electoral process following the declaration of Wednesday and Thursday as National Public Holidays. According to a memo released on May 26, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of CUECO 2026, Prof. Peter Ubi, and the Secretary, Imeh Bassey, all electoral activities earlier fixed for the affected days have been adjusted accordingly. Read also UNICAL Electoral Commission Releases List of Cleared SUG Candidates for 2026 Polls Under the revised timetable, the Manifesto Presentation will now hold on Monday, June 1, 2026,…

The Students Affairs Division of the University of Calabar has officially inaugurated the 2026 Calabar University Electoral Committee (CUECO) ahead of the forthcoming Students’ Union Government (SUG) elections. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Students Affairs Division, was presided over by the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Eyo Mensah, who charged members of the committee to uphold transparency, fairness, credibility and accountability throughout the electoral process. Read also UNICAL SUG to Host Health Week 2026, Focuses on Wellness and Awareness Speaking during the inauguration, Prof. Mensah stated that the University management remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free and transparent electoral…

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has proposed a ₦780.59 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as a “Budget of Inclusive Growth” aimed at consolidating the gains of his administration’s “People First” philosophy. Presenting the Appropriation Bill before the State House of Assembly, Governor Otu said the proposal reflects a strong sense of duty and commitment to the development of the state, noting that the annual budget presentation goes beyond a mere bureaucratic exercise. He explained that the budget was developed through consultations with civil society organisations, private sector stakeholders, NGOs, and the…

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has rescued all 14 victims abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways. The rescue followed sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated efforts between both agencies. Security operatives reportedly intensified surveillance and carried out targeted raids on identified hotspots within the maritime corridor, leading to the safe release of the victims without any casualties. Read also Police Arrest Man for Illegal Firearm Possession in Ikom According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the victims are currently receiving…