The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Senate, at its 124th Statutory Meeting held on Friday, July 31, 2026, approved a revised academic calendar for the completion of the 2025/2026 academic session following the suspension of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

The meeting, presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, also considered and approved several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening academic excellence, staff development, infrastructure renewal, and international collaboration, further reinforcing the University's steady march towards becoming a better globally competitive institution.

The revised calendar provides a clear roadmap for the successful completion of the second semester. According to the approved schedule, lectures for undergraduate students, which resumed on July 22 following the suspension of the industrial action, will continue until early September before revision and examinations commence. Final year students are expected to conclude their examinations in September, while examinations for other students will continue into October.

Key highlights of the revised calendar include:

• Lectures for undergraduate students will continue until early September
• Final year students will conclude their examinations in September
• Examinations for other students will continue into October

The new academic session is scheduled to commence on October 15, 2026.

Senate also approved the revised calendar for the Postgraduate School. Under the new arrangement, postgraduate students will resume on August 10, lectures will commence on August 12, while examinations will be concluded on November 27, 2026, with the 2026/2027 postgraduate session beginning on November 30.

The approval of the revised calendars marks another important milestone in the University's successful return to normal academic activities. It reflects the unwavering commitment of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, whose exemplary leadership, constructive engagement with the Cross River State Government, academic unions, and other stakeholders played a pivotal role in restoring industrial harmony and ensuring that students returned to the classroom without further delay.

In another significant development, Senate received a report on the University's sustained investment in staff development.

The Vice Chancellor disclosed that a total of 120 members of staff have been approved to participate in academic conferences as part of Management's deliberate policy of enhancing global exposure and professional capacity. She stated that forty-four members of staff have already attended an international conference in Cape Verde, while seventy-six others have been approved to participate in another conference later in the year.

The meeting also received encouraging updates on major infrastructure projects. The Vice Chancellor informed Senate that the University Management has secured the first phase of approval for the fencing of the University, a landmark project expected to significantly improve campus security and protect the University's facilities.

She equally disclosed that approval has been secured for the remodeling of the University's Medical Centre to enhance healthcare services for staff, students, and the wider University community.

Senate was also informed that approval has been obtained for the remodeling of the University's main entrance gate, a project that will be sponsored by Zenith Bank as part of its corporate support for the University's development agenda.

In furtherance of its vision to internationalize academic programmes and broaden institutional partnerships, Senate approved Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the University of Cross River State and partner institutions in Cyprus and Zhejiang College, China. The collaborations are expected to create opportunities for staff and student exchanges, joint research, academic innovation, and international cooperation.

Senate also approved a request from the Directorate of Examinations and Records (DERs) requiring that Continuous Assessment scores be uploaded before the commencement of semester examinations. The measure is expected to improve efficiency in examination administration, enhance transparency, and facilitate the timely processing and release of students' results.

During the meeting, newly appointed Heads of Departments were formally recognized and introduced to Senate, while Prof. Emmanuel Obi was elected as the substantive Dean of the Postgraduate School, a development widely welcomed as a boost to postgraduate education and research in the University.

The decisions reached at the 124th Senate Meeting reflect the remarkable progress being recorded under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, whose administration continues to pursue strategic reforms that are transforming the University through improved academic planning, staff development, infrastructural renewal, institutional partnerships, and sound governance.

The University of Cross River State has shown its commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning, research, and community service.

With the recent approval of its revised academic calendar by the Senate, the institution has demonstrated its ability to adapt and thrive.

• The revised calendar is part of the university's efforts to consolidate its position as a leading centre of academic excellence in Nigeria.
• The Senate's approval also underscores the university's resilience and stability in the face of challenges.

The university's dedication to teaching, research, innovation, and community service is evident in its array of developmental initiatives.

These initiatives, endorsed by the Senate, are a testament to the university's unwavering commitment to its mission and values.