CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – Academic activities across Cross River State universities faced renewed uncertainty following two separate administrative decisions issued by the University of Cross River State and the University of Calabar.
The University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, announced the indefinite postponement of its 24th matriculation ceremony, citing an ongoing protest by non-teaching staff unions.
In a separate but significant development, the University of Calabar suspended its Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law over issues linked to law school mobilization.
Both decisions, conveyed through official circulars from the respective Registrars’ offices, have generated concerns among students, parents, and the wider academic community.
UNICROSS Matriculation Ceremony Postponed Indefinitely
The UNICROSS management confirmed that the 24th matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session would no longer hold as earlier scheduled.
According to the circular dated January 26, 2026, the ceremony was originally fixed for January 29, 2026, at the Calabar Campus.
The document further indicated that the Ogoja and Okuku Campuses were to hold their matriculation exercises on Friday, January 30, 2026.
However, the Registrar explained that management decided to suspend the ceremony indefinitely due to circumstances beyond the university’s immediate control.
“The postponement is sequel to the ongoing protest by the Joint Action Congress (JAC) of the three non-teaching unions of the University,” the circular stated.
University authorities addressed the notice to staff, students, and members of the general public, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to maintaining order.
The Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Catherine Ndifon Osai, signed the circular, formally designated as Circular No. 504, issued from the Registrar’s Office.
Management assured stakeholders that a new date would be communicated once the situation stabilizes and internal consultations conclude.
“A new date will be communicated in due course,” the circular noted, without providing a specific timeline.
The university management also acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the postponement, offering an apology to affected students and families.
“We sincerely regret any inconveniences this postponement may cause to all concerned,” the statement added.
Impact on Fresh Students and Academic Calendar
The indefinite postponement has raised concerns among newly admitted students awaiting formal induction into the university system.
Parents and guardians, who had already made travel arrangements, expressed frustration over the sudden change in schedule.
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Academic observers noted that matriculation serves as a critical legal and ceremonial process conferring student status.
A senior academic staff member, who spoke anonymously, said prolonged delays could affect students’ psychological readiness and academic planning.
He explained that matriculation ceremonies symbolize institutional acceptance and mark the official commencement of studentship.
Despite the setback, the source urged calm, noting that the issue remains administrative rather than academic in nature.
UNICAL Suspends Acting Law Dean Over Mobilization Dispute
Meanwhile, the University of Calabar took disciplinary action against the Acting Dean of its Faculty of Law, Prof. Michael Takim Otu.
The suspension followed the submission of a report related to law school mobilization for 2025, which management found unacceptable.
In a letter dated January 20, 2026, the university formally suspended Prof. Otu from his official duties pending further investigation.
The letter, issued by the Office of the Registrar, referenced an earlier query dated January 8, 2026.
“In consideration of your submission in respect of the above issue, Management views your reply as unacceptable,” the letter stated.
University authorities subsequently directed that the matter be forwarded to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for investigation.
Consequently, management suspended Prof. Otu with immediate effect from Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
The Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Chukwuka I. Icha, signed the suspension letter on behalf of the university administration.
Conditions of Suspension Outlined
The suspension letter clearly outlined conditions to be observed by the affected official during the investigation period.
“You are hereby suspended from your official duties in the University,” the letter stated, emphasizing immediate compliance.
Management instructed Prof. Otu to hand over all official items in his possession to the Acting Dean before exiting the university.
The letter further warned that the suspended official must not be seen within or around the university premises.
An exception was made only for appearances before the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee upon formal invitation.
By a copy of the letter, the university advised the Bursar to place the suspended staff on half salary.
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The measure, management explained, would remain in force for the duration of the suspension.
Senate Committee Report at the Center of Dispute
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the suspension followed the report of a Senate fact-finding committee.
The committee reportedly investigated issues surrounding law school mobilization for graduating law students in 2025.
Although the university did not disclose details of the report, officials stressed that due process would guide the investigation.
A senior administrative source said management acted to protect institutional integrity and maintain academic standards.
He added that disciplinary procedures remain standard practice when submissions fall short of university regulations.
Reactions Within the Academic Community
The twin developments have sparked discussions within academic circles regarding governance, staff welfare, and administrative transparency.
Student leaders at UNICROSS urged management and unions to resolve their differences quickly to avoid prolonged disruptions.
At UNICAL, Truth live news reports that some staff members described the suspension as a reminder of accountability within the university system.
Others cautioned against speculation, emphasizing the importance of allowing the disciplinary process to run its course.
Education analysts noted that both institutions face mounting pressures from funding challenges and internal labor disputes.
They stressed that transparent communication remains essential to sustaining public confidence in tertiary institutions.
Conclusion
The indefinite postponement of UNICROSS’s matriculation and the suspension of UNICAL’s Acting Law Dean underscore ongoing administrative challenges.
While both universities emphasized adherence to due process, the decisions have immediate implications for students and staff.
As stakeholders await further updates, attention remains focused on how management will restore stability and normal academic operations.
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