February 23, 2026
The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Dr. (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has officially commissioned the newly established Fitness Centre at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to promoting holistic education and healthy living across tertiary institutions in the state.
Representing the Governor at the ceremony held on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Commissioner for Education, Sen. Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., formally performed the commissioning in the presence of the University’s management, officials of the Ministry of Education, staff, and students.
In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Professor Francisca Bassey, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor and his representative for honouring the institution’s invitation. She described the Commissioner as an experienced academic who understands the dynamics of the education system, noting that his guidance and support remain invaluable to her administration.
Professor Bassey emphasized the importance of physical fitness to overall human development, explaining that the establishment of the Fitness Centre was driven by the need to promote healthy living among staff and students within the university community.
In his remarks, Senator Professor Stephen Odey commended the University’s management for its foresight in establishing a well-equipped and furnished gymnasium. He expressed satisfaction with the initiative, noting that such infrastructure contributes significantly to the physical and mental well-being of the academic community. On behalf of Governor Bassey Otu, the Commissioner officially declared the Fitness Centre open for use.
Following the ceremony, the Commissioner toured several facilities within the institution, including the New Café, the Visual Arts Department, the Wood Production Department, and the Human Kinetics Gym.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Stella Maris-Okey; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Thomas Ojikpong; the Registrar, Dr. Catherine Osai; the University Librarian, Dr. Victoria Iyishu; and the Bursar, Mr. Wilson Aniyom. Also in attendance were Dr. Moses Agboreyo (Director, ERC); Mr. Cyril Itam (Director, Special Duties); Mrs. Theresa Inaku (Director, Schools); and Mr. Asuquo Amaku (Director, Exams and Certificates), alongside members of the University management and officials of the Ministry of Education.
The commissioning marks another significant milestone in UNICROSS’s drive toward academic excellence, innovation, and the overall well-being of its community.