Salary Crisis Grounds UniCross, Students Fear Exam Disruption

By Benjamin GBOR

Operations at the University of Cross River State were paralysed on Thursday after a coalition of staff unions enforced a total shutdown of offices over delayed salary payments.

The protest action, led by the Joint Action Congress in collaboration with Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, National Association of Academic Technologists and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, saw administrative buildings locked and all skeletal operations withdrawn.

Union officials said the decision followed what they described as persistent delays in salary payments. 

They noted that December 2025 wages were not received until late January, while January and February 2026 salaries remain unpaid.

According to a spokesperson for the unions, workers could no longer endure the financial strain caused by the delays. 

He insisted that the shutdown would remain in place until management settles the outstanding entitlements.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francesca Bassey, acknowledged the concerns and stated that the university management was working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Students have, however, expressed unease over the situation. With examinations set to commence next week, many fear the strike may further destabilise the academic calendar.

 A student from the Journalism and Media Studies Department called on university authorities to urgently find a solution to prevent another prolonged interruption of academic activities.

 *THE BEAGLE NEWS*