UNICROSS VC Transforms University
Prof. Francisca Bassey, Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, met Cross River State Education Commissioner Senator Prof. Stephen Odey in Calabar on August 3, 2026 to align the university with state education reforms. She reported the end of the current semester and readiness for the next academic session, noted regulatory approvals from NUC, and outlined new international partnerships aimed at student exchanges, research collaboration, and staff development. The Commissioner commended UNICROSS leadership and reiterated government support to boost higher education and institutional growth in Cross River State.
Businessman Lost ₦400m PFIPC Chief
Gbenga Collins, the managing director of Divine Dopacy Nigeria Limited, testifies before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee probing the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) that he lost ₦400 million after being deceived by the PFIPC’s embattled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, in Abuja. He explains the funds were paid to renovate and furnish an official residence, believing a lucrative government contract would follow. The committee continues hearings to determine how PFIPC was established and whether due process was followed.
WAEC 2026 results withheld
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) reports that 167,486 candidates nationwide have had their 2026 WASSCE results withheld due to alleged examination malpractice, including mobile phone use in exam halls. This affects students across Nigeria, including Cross River State, where teachers, parents, and schools await outcomes of investigations. WAEC says affected results will be released only after thorough review. Candidates, parents, and school authorities should stay informed and await official updates on individual results.
Nigeria’s economy grows 3.87%
Cross River residents should note that Nigeria’s domestic economy expanded by 3.87% in 2025, per the Central Bank of Nigeria. The rise follows reforms and the economy’s rebasing, with inflation easing and higher federation receipts. The report signals improved public finances and could influence lending, jobs, and prices in Calabar and broader Cross River communities. Policymakers say the gains reflect continued macro stability, with tax effort rising and debt still within safe limits, suggesting steadier economic conditions ahead.
CBN targets price stability 2025
The Central Bank of Nigeria says its monetary policy in 2025 remained focused on price stability, using orthodox instruments and a restrictive stance with an easing phase starting in September as disinflation continued. For Cross River residents, this signals steadier prices for essentials and more predictable loan conditions, benefiting traders, students, and local businesses in Calabar and across the state as FX stability and economic activity improve. The bank’s report highlights moderating broad money growth and a resilient financial sector as supportive factors for the local economy.
UNESCO trains Cross River communities
Nigeria and UNESCO are training members of Oban Community in Cross River on biodiversity businesses around the Oban Biosphere Reserve for its conservation and sustainable development, a week-long program covering Old Netim, Nsan, Obung, Ojor, Nsofang, New Ekuri, Old Ekuri, Neghe, Oban, Osomba, Orem and Ojok. The initiative, funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and supported by FRIN and NPS, aims to build women and youth entrepreneurship while safeguarding local ecosystems for long-term community benefit.
FG to establish autism centres
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, will establish Autism Centres in the six geopolitical zones in 2027 to strengthen autism care and expand specialist training nationwide, including Cross River institutions. The move, announced during an Abuja engagement, aims to provide diagnosis, therapy, and research services while boosting training for audiology, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Interventions will involve infrastructure upgrades and modern equipment as universities broaden programmes, improving access for families and schools across Nigeria.
Calabar Landslide Appeal for Calm
The Cross River State Police Command and government officials urge residents of Obutong Community in Calabar Municipal to stay calm as the Anansa Junction landslide worsens, first noticed on August 3 and deteriorating on August 4. A delegation led by the Acting Commissioner of Police and state commissioners visited the area to assure ongoing intervention and safety, and residents are advised to avoid the affected stretch while authorities address the erosion and prevent further damage. Authorities emphasize cooperation to safeguard lives and property.
UNICAL orders students admitted irregularly into law to return
The University of Calabar in Cross River State has directed Law students admitted irregularly to return to their original departments, following a review led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong. The move affects students from the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 sessions, with 221 of 435 students originally admitted via JAMB. The university will transfer fees to the 2026/2027 session and offer refunds to those who discontinue, to restore compliance and protect degrees.
Cross River Gets 49th CP
The Police Service Commission has approved the posting of CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue as the 49th Commissioner of Police for Cross River State. The appointment, announced in a press release on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, follows Ordue’s previous role as CP INTERPOL Abuja. He takes over from the promoted AIG Rashid Bello Afegbua in Calabar. The postings also include new assignments for other senior officers to various commands, with the moves aimed at sustaining operational readiness and neutrality across Cross River policing.
Stakeholders Back Abang Renovations
Stakeholders in Ikom and Boki Federal Constituency say rumors about the ongoing public school classroom renovations funded by Hon. Victor Abang are unfounded and politically motivated. They note the projects were captured in the 2025 Appropriation Act and are part of ongoing federal interventions to improve educational infrastructure. Community leaders explain renovations are scheduled during long vacations to avoid disrupting classes, and officials urge residents to verify details in official budget documents rather than rely on speculation.
NEMA activates flood response centre
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated its National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to strengthen preparedness and response to flooding across Nigeria during the 2026 rainy season. NEMA Director-General Mrs. Zubaida Umar announced the move in Abuja on August 5, 2026, stressing that the NEOC will coordinate information, resources, and rapid actions among disaster-management agencies. The activation aims to protect lives, livelihoods, and Cross River residents and infrastructure from flood hazards by enabling real-time monitoring and timely decisions during emergencies.
UNICEF seeks stronger enforcement
UNICEF Nigeria calls for stricter enforcement of the 2025 NAFDAC Breast-Milk Substitutes Regulations to protect exclusive breastfeeding and child survival across the country, including Cross River communities. Deputy Representative Dr Rownak Khan says aggressive marketing of infant formula persists at health facilities, requiring stronger enforcement and digital monitoring. Health facilities in Calabar and other Cross River locations should expect reinforced rules, enhanced maternal education, and coordinated campaigns under the 1,000 Days Initiative to promote breastfeeding nationwide.
NIIA Boss Pushes Power Balance
Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, calls for a rebalance of powers between the Federal Government and the states during the maiden Annual Federalism Lecture at the University of Benin on August 5, 2026. He argues the federation must adapt to political realities by devolving authority to sub-national units and strengthening states’ fiscal independence. The discussion emphasized governance reform and how a more balanced distribution of powers could impact Cross River State’s institutions, budgets, and local decision-making processes. The lecture was part of a policy-sharing initiative led by the Centre for Federalism and Democratic Studies.Current date, time, and timezone (ISO): 2026-08-11T22:00:49.035+02:00