Unical Suspends 2026/27 Admissions
Cross River State’s University of Calabar (Unical) has halted undergraduate admissions for Medicine & Surgery, Medical Laboratory Science, and Dentistry, following a directive from the MDCN after the university’s Senate met on July 23, 2026. The suspension affects the 2026/2027 admissions cycle, with affected candidates advised to seek a change of course via JAMB. The move aims to address admission irregularities and quota violations, including over-admission to Dentistry, and will impact prospective students and related funding at Unical.
Cross River Welding Health Risks
Cross River-born researcher Emmanuel Ndoma, now a doctoral student and science communicator, reveals in a July 2026 study at Akwa Ibom State University the respiratory and digestive health risks linked to welding due to naturally occurring radioactive materials in common electrodes and workshop environments. Ndoma’s work, conducted with gamma-ray spectrometry, calls for routine radiological monitoring, improved ventilation, and health surveillance to safeguard Cross River workers and residents involved in welding activities. The findings guide policymakers and safety agencies across Nigeria.
UNICAL SUG Announces Exam Support
UNICAL SUG unveils a new Exams Support Week to aid students during the ongoing exams at the University of Calabar in Calabar, Cross River State. From Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31, 2026, the Students’ Union Government will provide free shuttle transportation and daily food distributions at the UNICAL Shuttle Park between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Comrade Wisdom Abraham leads the effort, with support from key aides and alumna CyanahPEN, to ease exam stress and costs for students.
Undiandeye celebrates Rhoda Ashong birthday
The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government, Dr. Undiandeye, celebrates Vice Chairman Hon. Rhoda Ashong on her birthday in Obudu. In a goodwill message issued on Saturday, July 25, 2026, he commends Ashong for dedication to governance, community development, and public service. The statement highlights her leadership, loyalty, and impact on Obudu’s people-first agenda, while wishing her health, renewed strength, and further achievements in service to the council and residents.
Beyond Projects, Governor Otu’s Legacy
Cross River State’s Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu continues to strengthen public institutions while delivering visible developments across Calabar and beyond. The opinion piece notes reforms in the civil service, restoration of dormant assets, and upgrades to healthcare, libraries and security, highlighting Tinapa’s return to state ownership, the Local Government Service Commission Complex, and digital health records. Authors argue these institution-focused moves aim to secure long-term public service and sustainable growth for Cross River residents.
CRS Demolishes Illegal Structures
The Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, dismantled illegal structures and shanties in Calabar during the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise on June 28, 2025. Commissioner for Environment Moses Osogi led the team, highlighting how unauthorized buildings hinder movement and worsen sanitation. The operation covered markets, residential areas, and workplaces, with inspectors focusing on environmental health and flood-prevention concerns. Residents are urged to maintain cleanliness, remove obstructions, and participate in ongoing cleanup initiatives to support safer, cleaner communities.
Enang Presents Credentials, Nigeria-Germany Ties
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Sen. Ita Enang, has presented his Letters of Credence to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. The ceremony, reported on July 25, 2026, followed diplomatic tradition and included talks on expanding bilateral cooperation. Enang outlined Nigeria’s priorities in economy, energy, migration, and security, while Steinmeier commended past engagements. The discussions also covered potential German investment in Nigeria and pathways for skilled Nigerians to work in Germany, aiming to deepen mutual ties.
Diaspora Engagement Shift to Partnership
The Federal Government has announced a shift in Nigeria’s diaspora engagement from purely consular services to a broader strategic partnership model. This move, supported by NiDCOM and allied agencies, aims to mobilise remittances, investments, and skills of Nigerians abroad for national development. Cross River residents and institutions stand to benefit through improved access to investment opportunities, healthcare, and education partnerships, with missions abroad prioritising structured cooperation and data sharing to maximize impact.
Israel funds iFAIR 5
Israel has announced funding for the fifth edition of iFAIR, a nine‑month innovation and venture development programme, to boost Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. The announcement was made in Abuja by the Israeli Ambassador, with TETFund and Innov8 Hub as partners; the fellowship will launch in October and aims to mentor Nigerian researchers and early‑stage entrepreneurs. The initiative supports Nigerian institutions and students, including those in Cross River, by turning ideas into viable ventures through mentorship, facilities, and potential investment.
Experts Raise Fresh Concerns
Nigeria’s health sector is facing growing threats as stakeholders at the 4th Annual Scientific Conference of the College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, raise concerns about insecurity, staff shortages, and funding gaps undermining Universal Health Coverage. They urge higher government investment, stronger policies, and retention of skilled personnel to improve access to care for Nigerians, including Cross River residents who rely on national health services and facilities. The call outlines practical steps to safeguard healthcare delivery while addressing migration of doctors and infrastructure needs.
Consent, faster justice urged
A Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Adaku Mbama of FIDA, and Barrister Chukwuemeka Dike call for respect for consent and faster prosecutions in sexual-offences cases across Nigeria, including Cross River communities. Speaking with NAN, Mbama notes that the Criminal Code, Penal Code and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act require voluntary, informed, and ongoing consent, while Dike emphasizes that withdrawal of consent ends any sexual activity. Cross River residents should expect stronger reporting, survivor support, and swifter legal action under these laws.
Obi visits Cross River hospital
Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi donated N10 million to the Catholic Maternity Hospital in Moniaya, Ogoja, Cross River State, during a visit to the facility. The hospital, established in 1946, serves obstetrics, pediatrics, and general cases and also houses a Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre. Obi emphasized ongoing partnerships and urged government, private sector, and Nigerians to support healthcare and education institutions. The visit highlighted the hospital’s role in the Ogoja area as a key maternity and community health resource.
Calabar landslide renders family homeless
A family in Ikot Awatim, Calabar Municipal Local Government Area, loses their home after a heavy rainfall triggers a landslide that cracks and collapses part of their apartment. The incident leaves the mother and relatives homeless as floodwaters undermine the ground beneath the building. Local residents report mounting weather-related damage across Calabar, with authorities beginning rapid assessments and relief planning. Emergency responders are coordinating with community leaders to deliver shelter and essential aid while investigations determine the cause and next steps for safety measures.
Spotlight PR Wins Brand of Year
Spotlight PR, Abuja-based international public relations agency, has been named PR Brand of the Year at the 6th Eko Heritage Awards, presented on July 25, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island. The accolade marks the agency’s growing influence across Africa, Europe, North America and Asia, with a client roster exceeding 1,000 across more than 20 countries. CEO Prince says the award reflects years of expanding services—from media strategy to crisis communications—geared toward helping brands and public figures gain visibility and trust across continents.
Cross River Waterways Open
Cross River State Governor Otu has declared the state’s waterways safe for investment, signaling a welcoming environment for maritime projects and related businesses. Speaking during a tour of the Calabar Marina Business Hub and the MV-Eja ferry launch on the Calabar-Cameroon route, the governor emphasized security upgrades and government support to protect lives, property, and investor interests. SeaExpress Transit officials welcomed the move, noting anticipated growth in transport, trade, and tourism as the blue economy expands along Cross River’s waterways and trading corridors. Investors are encouraged to engage with state agencies to access the new opportunities and required clearances.