Protest erupts at UNICROSS as VC insists on N10,000 matriculation gown

Tension erupted at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) following the decision by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, to fix the cost of renting an academic gown for the matriculation ceremony at N10,000.

Fresh students kicked against the amount, describing it as excessive when compared to the N2,000 charged in previous years.

Many of them argued that the new fee placed an unnecessary financial burden on students and their families.

The situation was further worsened by allegations of extortion levelled against the university management, alongside an ongoing protest by the Joint Action Congress (JAC), representing the three non-teaching staff unions in the institution.

According to the students, the Vice Chancellor recently hiked the school fees by one hundred percent, and other sundry charges, which have turned the school into a fortress for extortion.”

In a circular dated January 26, 2026, the Registrar of the school, Dr Catherine Osai, said the postponement of the matriculation ceremony is due to the Joint Action Congress (JAC) protest, as well as the tension generated by the high cost of academic gowns and the increase in school fees.

“This is to inform all staff, students, and the general public that the 24th Matriculation Ceremony of the University of Cross River State, for the 2025/2026 academic session, earlier scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Calabar Campus and Friday, January 30, 2026, in Ogoja and Okuku Campuses, has been postponed indefinitely,” the circular read.

Osai said 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.

“We sincerely regret any inconveniences this postponement may cause to all concerned,” the circular concluded.

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