The management of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has reaffirmed its commitment to the advancement of Human Kinetics and Health Education, pledging its full support for the maiden Joint Annual Conference of Heads of Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education from tertiary institutions across Cross River State.
The assurance was given on Friday when members of the Forum of Heads of Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, to formally invite the University Management to the conference scheduled for July 1 and 2, 2026, at the University of Calabar.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, commended the Forum for initiating what he described as a laudable platform for academic collaboration and professional development.
“The Vice Chancellor is deeply committed to the advancement of Human Kinetics and Health Education. This commitment is evident in her role in securing the full accreditation of the department and her unwavering passion for sports development,” Prof. Ojikpong said.
He assured the delegation of the Vice Chancellor’s readiness to participate in the conference and pledged the University’s continued collaboration with the Local Organizing Committee to ensure the success of the event.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Head of the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, UNICROSS, Dr. David Eyam, briefed the University Management on the objectives of the conference and formally invited the Vice Chancellor to attend.
Dr. Eyam noted that the conference would bring together scholars and professionals in Human Kinetics and Health Education from tertiary institutions across the state to deliberate on issues critical to the growth of the discipline.
He also disclosed the Forum’s desire to have a future edition of the annual conference hosted by the University of Cross River State.
“We are here to formally invite the Vice Chancellor to this historic maiden conference and to express our commitment to partnering with the University in promoting excellence in Human Kinetics and Health Education. We also look forward to UNICROSS hosting one of the future editions of the conference,” Eyam said.
Members of the Forum, drawn from the University of Cross River State, the University of Calabar, the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, and the Federal College of Education, Obudu, expressed appreciation to the University Management for the warm reception and the support extended to the initiative.
Also present at the meeting were the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Osai; the University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Iyishu; the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebri Onen Ebri; and representatives of the Local Organizing Committee.
By Kingsley Agim
