Staff of University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) under the umbrella of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), on Thursday staged a mass action over unpaid wages, locking administrative offices and the main gate of the institution in protest.
The action, which brought academic and administrative activities to a halt, saw workers move around the campus in solidarity while holding tree branches and chanting. The protest has disrupted movement into the school premises, as the gate was sealed and surrounded with leaves.
The UNICROSS staff protest over unpaid salaries comes amid growing tension within the university community over welfare issues and deteriorating learning conditions, with staff and students asking the Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Francisca Bassey to “return to UNICAL”.
Protest Grounds Administrative Activities
Eyewitnesses said all major offices were locked early in the day, preventing staff and students from accessing essential services. The protest also forced many students to remain outside the campus, unsure of when normal operations would resume.
Workers insisted that salaries have remained overdue for months, leaving many unable to meet basic needs. They described the protest as a last resort after repeated appeals to authorities yielded no results.
“Pay us our salaries consistently! We are public servants with families”
They’re also requesting that the School’s administration should remit every deduction to the banks, Housing schemes (NHS), cooperatives, Unions, and resident staff.
UNICROSS Students Decry Fee Hike and Poor Facilities
The protest follows recent increases in school charges at the start of the 2026/2027 academic session. Tuition fees were reportedly raised by more than 50 percent, while hostel accommodation now costs about ₦90,000.
Students say the hikes have not translated into better facilities. Many classrooms reportedly have broken or dilapidated benches, laboratories lack equipment, and basic amenities remain unavailable.
The UNICROSS staff protest has therefore intensified frustration among students, who argue they are paying more for a worsening academic environment.
Rising Safety Concerns on Campus
Tension heightened after a student was reportedly stabbed within the school premises on Wednesday night. The incident has raised concerns about campus security.
At the same time, workers at the university medical center are said to be on strike, leaving students with limited access to healthcare services.
Observers warn that the combination of unpaid salaries, infrastructure decay, and safety concerns could further destabilize academic activities if urgent steps are not taken.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
As the UNICROSS staff protest continues, stakeholders are calling on the state government and relevant authorities to address the crisis swiftly. Students and parents fear prolonged disruption could affect the academic calendar.
The University’s management had not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report.
