The Centre for Educational Services (CES), University of Calabar (UNICAL), has sought stronger collaboration with the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) to expand skills development, student participation and educational opportunities.
The Director of CES, Prof. Ekei Ikpeme, made the call on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when she led a delegation of the Centre on a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey.
Ikpeme commended Bassey for her commitment to the growth and transformation of UNICROSS, noting the positive developments recorded under her administration. She expressed appreciation for the Vice Chancellor’s efforts towards advancing the institution and creating better educational opportunities for students.
The CES Director highlighted the Centre’s programmes, particularly its short certificate courses designed to equip students, staff and other interested persons with additional knowledge and practical skills.
She listed Secretarial Studies and Office Management, Peace and Conflict Management, French and Special Studies, and Human Resources Management among the Centre’s existing programmes, while disclosing plans to introduce additional courses in areas including Nursing and Geriatrics.
Ikpeme also drew attention to some of the challenges confronting the Centre, including inadequate facilities and the need for a dedicated secretariat, and appealed for greater institutional support and increased student participation in its programmes.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, thanked the delegation for the visit and expressed her willingness to strengthen the relationship between the university and CES.
Bassey, who acknowledged her longstanding connection with the Centre, encouraged students to take advantage of its programmes, stressing that acquiring additional skills and competencies beyond their regular academic studies was essential in today’s competitive environment.
She noted that participation in the programmes could broaden students’ knowledge, enhance their employability and provide practical competencies that would complement their university education.
The Vice Chancellor further emphasised the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and specialised centres in providing students with opportunities to acquire relevant skills beyond conventional academic qualifications.
The meeting featured an exchange of gifts, with the CES delegation presenting a gift to the Vice Chancellor in appreciation of her leadership and warm reception, while Bassey reciprocated the gesture.
By Kingsley Agim
