UNICAL Int'l Demonstration Sec. School Grab Top Positions at 2026 World Env. Day Competition, Wins Cash Prizes
Hannah ARIKPO
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has won the first prize of one million naira (1,000,000) for emerging tops at this year's World Environment Day competition in the tertiary institutions category.
Followed by the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) which received the sum of seven hundred thousand naira cash (₦700,000,) for second position while University of Education and Entrepreneurship, (EUU) Akamkpa, came out with five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000), third place cash award.
In the secondary school category, UNICAL International Demonstration Secondary School emerged first and won five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000), Hope Waddell and West African Peoples Institute (WAPI) were placed second and third, receiving three hundred thousand naira (₦300,000) and two hundred thousand naira (₦200,000) while all the competing schools went home with one hundred thousand naira (₦100,000) consolation prizes.
Criteria for the Competition was based on - Understanding of the theme for 2026 World Environment Day, Presentation, Originality of items as well as Research & Accuracy.
Presenting cash prizes to the winning schools, Cross River Commissioner for Environment, Obol Moses Osogi, Congratulated all the participating schools especially those who emerged tops at this year's Celebration commending their enthusiasm and remarkable contribution towards environmental education and awareness in the society.
"Your efforts over the years have continued to inspire us and demonstrate that the future of environmental protection in Cross River is indeed bright," he stated.
Osogi gave reasons for the special value placed on the participation of schools in the Ministry's yearly activities, stating,"Environmental Sustainability begins with awareness and education. Young people remain the most powerful ambassadors for environmental stewardship. Through their creativity, advocacy, innovation and commitment, they are helping to shape the future where environmental responsibility becomes a way of life."
In a keynoye address, Prof. Eyo Edet of the Department of Agricultural Economics, UNICAL warned against the dangers of increased flooding, deforestation, and illegal mining activities placed on the local ecosystems, citing persistent flooding along sections of Murtala Muhammed Highway as evidence of the growing environmental challenges confronting the state.
He urged residents to actively participate in environmental sanitation and climate action initiatives, emphasizing that sustainable development requires collective responsibility and commitment.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba, commended the Ministry of Environment for its ongoing interventions and called on residents to support government efforts towards environmental sustainability.He noted that meaningful development can only be achieved through collective action and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
The celebration featured environmental awareness campaigns, youth-focused sustainability programmes, and recognition of institutions that demonstrated outstanding commitment towards environmental stewardship.
