Academic activities are set to resume at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) following the suspension of the strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNICROSS Branch, after more than two months of industrial action.
The union announced the suspension of the strike on Monday after an emergency congress held at the Calabar Campus of the university, bringing to an end the industrial action it commenced on May 19, 2026.
The decision followed a series of interventions by the Cross River State Government and the management of the university aimed at resolving the issues that led to the industrial dispute.
As part of the efforts, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, led the university’s management and the leadership of ASUU UNICROSS Branch to a closed-door meeting with Governor Bassey Edet Otu last week. Prior to the engagement, the Vice Chancellor had also led student leaders to a separate meeting with the governor to seek a lasting resolution to the impasse.
The suspension of the strike followed assurances given by Governor Otu during the meetings, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the union and restoring industrial harmony in the institution.
The development marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to stabilise the academic calendar and ensure the uninterrupted pursuit of teaching, learning and research at the state-owned university.
It also reflects the commitment of the Cross River State Government and the university management to dialogue, consensus-building and the peaceful resolution of industrial disputes through sustained engagement with critical stakeholders.
The government and the university management commended students, members of ASUU and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding and constructive engagement throughout the period of the strike.
With the suspension of the industrial action, academic activities are expected to resume across all campuses of the university, paving the way for the continuation of lectures and other academic programmes.
Further details on the resumption of full academic activities are expected to be communicated by the university authorities in due course.
By Kingsley Agim
