The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) on Friday, November 6, 2026, held a commendation service in honour of the late Dr. Fidelis Ebungta Abeng, who until his sudden death on October 17, 2026, was the Acting Head of the Department of Chemistry.
The service was officiated by Prof. Igwe Ewona, former Director of Research and Development, UNICROSS, and Pastor Francis Agbor, a senior staff member of the University.
Speaking at the service, Prof. Ewona described Dr. Abeng's death as a difficult loss to the University community and urged staff and students of UNICROSS to draw strength and encouragement from the Word of God. He described the deceased as a good man, noting that a good name was better than riches.
He further called for personal reflection, stressing that people would be remembered not by their material acquisitions but by how well they lived. According to him, the quality of one's life was more important than its length, adding that death comes unannounced and remains an appointment with God.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, was represented at the service by the Dean of Deans and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Simon Ogbeche Odey, who delivered a condolence message on behalf of the University to the widow, Mrs. Constance Abeng, and the bereaved family.
Prof. Odey described Dr. Abeng's death as a great loss to the University, recalling that he was friendly, humble and hardworking. He encouraged the widow and family to take solace in the positive contributions and landmarks he left behind.
He recalled that Dr. Abeng joined the University's service in 2017 as a Lecturer II and rose through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of the Department of Chemistry before his demise. He also prayed for God's guidance, strength and comfort for the family.
In a tribute on behalf of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, the immediate past Dean, Prof. Peter Amba Neji, described Dr. Abeng's death as shocking, recalling that the deceased appeared healthy when he attended the University's 123rd regular Senate meeting on October 16, a day before his death. He also remembered him as a humble and hardworking academic.
The commendation service featured prayers, hymns and songs of solidarity rendered by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNICROSS Branch, in honour of their departed colleague.
Dr. Abeng, who was 44 years old, will be laid to rest on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in his hometown of Onyadama, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
May his soul rest in peace.
