NERD hits 400k submissions
Nigeria’s education digitisation drive records a major milestone as the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) surpasses 400,000 digitised theses and dissertations by early September 2026, with over 410,000 noted as of press time. The National Credential Verification Service has verified more than 115,000 credentials and assigned National Credential Numbers, linking universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide, including Cross River institutions like the University of Calabar. The development, part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to preserve Nigeria’s academic output in a common digital space, improving credential verification for Cross River students, staff, and institutions and enabling quicker higher-education verification processes locally and nationwide. Institutions such as Ekiti State University, University of Benin, and Ahmadu Bello University lead submissions, while Cross River’s own universities are featured among leading contributors, signaling expanded digital access for researchers and learners in Calabar and across the state.
First Lady Inaugurates Food Bank
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, launches the National Community Food Bank Programme for Cross River and the South-South from Calabar on September 4, 2026, addressing hunger and malnutrition for vulnerable households, including children under six and pregnant women. Cross River Governor Bassey Otu welcomes the initiative, noting three established food banks across the state and a 2027 plan for nationwide rollout. The event also includes an ICT Centre at the University of Cross River and relief funds for Calabar Mall fire victims. The programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and food security goals.
NYSC Tightens Mobilisation Process
Cross River residents and graduates should note that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is tightening controls across mobilisations from admission through graduation to prevent data manipulation. At the 2026 Batch C Pre-Mobilisation Workshop in Abuja, NYSC Director-General Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu announced strengthened data integrity measures and greater use of technology to ensure only eligible graduates are mobilised. Cross River CPIs are urged to verify records, avoid delays, and adhere to approved timelines to ensure smooth deployment of corps members nationwide.
FG Fortifies Transport Intermodal System
The Federal Government is taking steps to safeguard Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and strengthen the intermodal system to ensure safer, seamless movement of people and goods. Speaking at the 19th National Council on Transportation in Abuja, Permanent Secretary Olufunso Adebiyi outlined plans to boost funding, PPPs, and stricter penalties for vandalism of transport assets. Senate transport chair Sen. Adamu Aliero underscored ministry-led oversight, with Cross River State residents set to benefit from improved rail and road links nationwide.
Otu Re-Election Campaign Expands
The Neighbour 2 Neighbour (N2N) Network has intensified its grassroots drive for Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s re-election in Cross River South for the 2027 general elections, aiming to mobilise more than one million APC votes. In Bakassi, Akpabuyo, Calabar South and Calabar Municipality, N2N inaugurated 40 ward and polling unit coordinators to build local structures across all 196 wards. Director-General Dr. Bobby Ekpenyong says the effort seeks broader participation and stronger Cross River influence at the federal level, engaging communities through coordinated outreach and “Operation Get 10 Persons.”
Cross River Health Insurance Enrollment
The Cross River State Government now requires civil servants to enroll in the state health insurance scheme as a condition for promotion and access to loan facilities. At the Calabar relaunch, the Head of Service announced compulsory enrolment for all public servants, with a monthly deduction of ₦1,000. Biometric capture and facility empanelment are needed before services, while more enrolment points were opened across Calabar and regional offices to boost coverage.
JAMB underage UTME results clarified
Cross River students and guardians should note that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 UTME results for underage candidates. The results are for performance check only and do not confer admission eligibility except for exceptionally performing candidates who meet strict criteria. An underage applicant is someone below 16 years as of September 30, 2026. Admission will require additional screenings, exams, and NECO results when released.
FG opens N2.5bn grant window
Cross River students and institutions are urged to apply as the Federal Government opens a second cohort of the Student Venture Capital Grant, offering up to N50 million per venture to 50 outstanding student-led startups. The portal closes on September 30, 2026, with roadshows running from September 6 to September 30 across nine universities nationwide. Selected ventures receive equity-free funding, plus a six-month mentorship program to develop and scale ideas in health, agriculture, tech, energy, and more.
Otu’s Cultural Tourism Drive
Cross River State Governor Otu is advancing a cultural tourism agenda, with Obudu hosting the 2026 Bewhutang New Yam Festival where the focus is on unity, heritage promotion, and job creation. The Obudu Local Government Council chairman, Hon. Dr. Peter Undiandeye, announced the initiative at the festival, saying the culture-first approach will attract visitors, boost local businesses, and support rural development. The plan includes the Palace Project and collaboration across government, traditional leaders, and civil society to sustain growth.
Undiandeye Celebrates Monica Ugi
Hon. Undiandeye, the Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, congratulates Cross River APC Women Leader, Mrs. Monica Ugi, on her birthday. The message, issued through his press secretary, highlights her dedication to party development, women empowerment, and grassroots mobilization in Cross River State. The tribute underscores Ugi’s ongoing contributions to the APC’s growth in Cross River and her role in advancing women’s participation in local politics. The celebration takes place in Obudu, with well-wishes for continued health and service.
Coalition urges ECOWAS to protect local interests
A coalition of civil society organisations in Nigeria is pressing ECOWAS and the African Union, with national governments, to secure local livelihoods, environmental protection and food sovereignty in multinational investment deals. Speaking at a rally in Abuja on September 5, 2026, Health of Mother Earth Foundation director Joyce Brown urged policies that assess social and environmental impacts before approvals, while ERA/FoEN’s Mariann Bassey-Olsson called for MoU transparency to safeguard small producers, including communities in Cross River State.
End to VIP Police Deployment
A Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos, Omololu Soyombo, calls for stopping the excessive deployment of police officers to Very Important Personalities and urges better welfare for security personnel. Speaking during his exaugural lecture on security control in Nigeria, he also advocates more recruitment for core policing duties and enhanced security in schools nationwide, including Cross River institutions. The lecturer urges modern technology, intelligence sharing, and stricter border controls to reduce crime while ensuring guards receive adequate insurance and training; the aim is to protect communities and public facilities across the country, including Cross River residents. The recommendations emphasize proactive policing, better equipment, and coordinated efforts among agencies to prevent crimes before they occur.
How Nigeria closes net on illicit arms
The Federal Government, led by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) and the Office of the National Security Adviser, is tightening controls to disrupt illicit weapons supply. The plan includes stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved border security, and a new national baseline survey to update data on small arms. Cross River residents will benefit from enhanced security as authorities target trafficking routes and armoury vulnerabilities; the approach is Nigerian-led and data-driven to stop illegal weapons from reaching communities.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-09-14T22:00:26.633+02:00