UNICROSS Partners with Nigerian AirForce to Launch Aviation and Security Workshop

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has taken a strategic step in academic-military collaboration by partnering with the Nigerian AirForce (NAF) to host a one-day workshop titled “Introductory Perspectives on Aviation and Security” at the New Café, Calabar Campus.

The event, which took place on Monday, December 15, 2025, marked the beginning of a broader engagement aimed at exposing staff and students to career and research opportunities in aviation, defense, and security sectors.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francisca Bassey officially declared the workshop open, describing it as a unique opportunity for participants to understand the professionalism, intellectual rigour, and operational expertise of uniformed personnel. She encouraged attendees to explore areas of personal interest and maximize the learning potential offered by the initiative.

Prof. Bassey noted that the collaboration complements UNICROSS’s ongoing strategy to foster high-quality academic and professional partnerships, citing the university’s recent engagement with Zhenjiang College, China, as part of its global collaboration efforts.

Speaking on the relevance of the initiative, Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Hannah Etta, emphasized that community service is central to university mandates and that the partnership with the Nigerian AirForce directly aligns with this responsibility.

The workshop featured a lecture by Group Captain Frederick Oyenusi, Commander of the 305 Special Mobility Group, Nigerian AirForce. He highlighted the integral role of diverse academic disciplines in the aviation sector, traced the history of aircraft development, and showcased Nigeria’s untapped resource potential—particularly in Cross River State. Group Captain Oyenusi urged participants to develop innovative proposals to support aviation and aircraft development initiatives and outlined career pathways for interested students.

The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment and earned a standing ovation from attendees, reflecting the workshop’s impact and engagement.

The event was attended by senior university officials, including Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Stella Maris-Okey; Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong; Acting Registrar, Barr. Uno I. Ogban; members of the University Senate; and numerous staff and students.

This collaboration positions UNICROSS as a forward-looking institution committed to bridging academia and practical professional development, while providing students with tangible opportunities in the aviation and security sectors.