UNICROSS VC Advocates for UNICEF Office in Cross River

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Francisca Bassey, has urged the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to consider establishing a regional office in Cross River State to strengthen operational efficiency across Nigeria’s South-South region.

The appeal was made on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, during a courtesy visit to her office by a UNICEF delegation led by Mr. Emmanuel Bamidele, Skills and Livelihood Officer at UNICEF’s Enugu office, responsible for coordinating the South-East and South-South regions.

Professor Bassey noted that managing activities for two regions from Enugu presents logistical challenges, and highlighted Calabar as a strategic, peaceful, and development-friendly location for a regional office. She assured UNICEF that both the Cross River State Government and UNICROSS would provide institutional support, including access to campus facilities, to facilitate operations.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized UNICROSS’s focus on equipping students with practical skills beyond academic programs. She highlighted ongoing initiatives such as wood engineering, hospitality, catering and pastry hubs, and the acquisition of modern photography equipment for youth skill development.

Professor Bassey also proposed the creation of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Clubs within universities to promote sanitation best practices, and expressed readiness for collaboration on programs targeting drug abuse prevention among young people, aligning with UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change mandate.

Speaking on the visit, Mr. Bamidele recalled UNICEF’s 2022 health sensitization program at UNICROSS, describing it as highly successful. He stated that the current engagement aims to explore partnership opportunities under the University’s new management. He further emphasized UNICEF’s 2026 focus on expanding internships, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship programs to empower youth with practical competencies beyond academics.

The delegation was received by key members of UNICROSS Management, including Professor Thomas Ojikpong (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration), Professor Stella Maris-Okey (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic), Dr. Catherine Osai (Registrar), Dr. Victoria Iyishu (Librarian), Mr. Wilson Onoyom (Bursar), Mr. Onen Ebri Onen (PRO), and Dr. Victor Ndifon (Acting Dean, Student Affairs).

This initiative positions UNICROSS as a proactive partner in youth empowerment and regional development, while reinforcing its commitment to practical skill acquisition and community engagement.