UNICAL CES Seeks Stronger Collaboration with UNICROSS on Skills Development
The Centre for Educational Services (CES), University of Calabar (UNICAL), has sought stronger collaboration with the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) to promote skills development, student participation and expanded educational opportunities.
The Director of CES, Prof. Ekei Ikpeme, made the call on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when she led a delegation of the Centre on a visit to the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey.
Prof. Ikpeme commended Prof. Bassey for her commitment to the growth and transformation of UNICROSS, noting the positive developments recorded under her administration. She expressed appreciation for the Vice Chancellor's dedication to advancing the institution and strengthening educational opportunities for students.
The CES Director also highlighted the Centre's programmes and activities, particularly its short certificate courses designed to equip students, staff and other interested persons with additional knowledge and practical skills.
She identified programmes including Secretarial Studies and Office Management, Peace and Conflict Management, French and Special Studies, and Human Resources Management, while disclosing plans to introduce additional programmes in areas such as Nursing and Geriatrics.
Prof. Ikpeme further highlighted some of the challenges confronting the Centre, including the need for improved facilities and a dedicated secretariat, and appealed for greater institutional support and student participation in its programmes.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, thanked the delegation for the visit and expressed her willingness to strengthen the relationship between UNICROSS and the Centre for Educational Services.
Prof. Bassey, who acknowledged her longstanding connection with CES, encouraged students to take advantage of the Centre's programmes, stressing the importance of acquiring additional skills and competencies beyond their regular academic studies.
She noted that participation in such programmes could broaden students' knowledge, enhance their employability and equip them with practical skills that would complement their university education.
The meeting also featured an exchange of gifts, with the CES delegation presenting a gift to the Vice Chancellor in appreciation of her leadership and warm reception, while Prof. Bassey reciprocated the gesture.
The engagement underscored the shared commitment of UNICROSS and CES to skills development, student empowerment and the expansion of educational opportunities through stronger institutional collaboration.
UNICROSS Media Team
