UNICROSS postpones matriculation amid student protests over N10,000 gown fee and staff strike, citing tensions and fee hikes as reasons

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has postponed the 24th matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session following tensions over the high cost of academic gowns and an ongoing staff protest.

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The Vice Chancellor, Prof Francisca Bassey, set the rental fee for the matriculation gown at N10,000, sparking discontent among students who noted that previous rentals cost just N2,000.

Students also criticised a recent 100 percent increase in school fees and additional charges, describing the school as a “fortress for extortion.”

The postponement was announced in a circular dated 26 January 2026 by the Registrar, Dr Catherine Osai, citing the protest by the Joint Action Congress (JAC) representing three non-teaching staff unions, as well as student unrest over the gown fees and fee hikes.

“This is to inform all staff, students, and the general public that the 24th Matriculation Ceremony of the University of Cross River State, earlier scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Calabar Campus and Friday, January 30, 2026, at Ogoja and Okuku Campuses, has been postponed indefinitely,” the circular stated.

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Dr Osai expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the postponement and reaffirmed that the decision followed careful consideration of both the staff protests and the tensions among students.