KEY POINTS
- Unicross suspends 24th matriculation due to high gown and fee costs.
- Student complaints follow 100 percent increase in school fees.
- Staff protests also contributed to the ceremony postponement.
The University of Cross River State (Unicross) has indefinitely suspended its 24th matriculation ceremony following protests over the rising cost of academic gowns and other fees, the school said on Monday.
Vice Chancellor Francisca Bassey had set the rental fee for matriculation gowns at 10,000 naira, a sharp increase from the 2,000 naira charged in previous years. Students said the hike, along with a recent 100 percent increase in school fees, had intensified tension on campus.
In addition, the Joint Action Congress (JAC), representing three non-teaching staff unions, staged protests over working conditions, further contributing to the decision to postpone the event.
Unicross matriculation postponed amid student protests
The school’s registrar, Dr Catherine Osai, issued a circular dated January 26, 2026, citing both the JAC protest and student unrest over gown and fee costs as reasons for the postponement.
“This is to inform all staff, students, and the general public that the 24th Matriculation Ceremony of the University of Cross River State, for the 2025/2026 academic session… has been postponed indefinitely,” the circular stated.
Students criticized the university for creating what they described as “a fortress for extortion,” noting that fees and gown costs have become a growing financial burden.
Unicross cites ongoing staff protests as factor
Dr. Osai emphasized that authorities needed to delay indefinitely to maintain order while they address the disputes. She apologized for any inconvenience caused to students, staff, and the public.
The postponement affects ceremonies scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Calabar campus, as well as Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Ogoja and Okuku campuses.
University authorities have yet to announce a new date for the matriculation, as negotiations with staff unions and student representatives continue.
