Academic activities at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) were thrown into uncertainty on Tuesday following rising tension over the cost of academic gowns and broader concerns about school fees, culminating in the indefinite postponement of the institution’s matriculation ceremony.
The controversy erupted after the university management, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Francisca Bassey, fixed the cost of renting an academic gown for matriculation at ₦10,000. The decision immediately drew sharp reactions from students, who described the amount as excessive and unjustifiable, particularly when compared to the ₦2,000 fee charged in previous years.
Students Push Back Over Rising Costs
For many fresh students preparing for matriculation, the gown fee became a flashpoint in what they describe as a broader pattern of financial pressure. Students alleged that school fees and other charges had recently been increased by as much as 100 percent, making education at the state-owned institution increasingly unaffordable.
Several students accused the university management of what they termed “systematic extortion,” arguing that the cumulative effect of increased fees, levies, and compulsory charges has placed an unbearable burden on students and their families.
The tension was further inflamed by an ongoing protest by the Joint Action Congress (JAC), representing the three non-teaching staff unions in the university. The convergence of staff protests and student dissatisfaction created an atmosphere of uncertainty across the campuses.
Management Confirms Postponement
In an official circular dated January 26, 2026, the Registrar of the university, Catherine Osai, announced that the 24th matriculation ceremony had been postponed indefinitely.
According to the circular, the ceremony—originally scheduled to hold on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Calabar Campus, and Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Ogoja and Okuku campuses—could no longer proceed due to the prevailing situation.
“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 notice stated.
The registrar explained that the decision was taken in view of the ongoing protest by the Joint Action Congress of the non-teaching unions, as well as the tension generated by the high cost of academic gowns and the recent increase in school fees.
“We sincerely regret any inconveniences this postponement may cause to all concerned,” the circular added.
Background: A Campus Under Pressure
UNICROSS, like many public universities across Nigeria, has faced increasing financial strain amid rising operational costs and limited government subventions. In recent years, university administrations have often turned to internal revenue measures—such as higher fees and service charges—to bridge funding gaps.
However, student groups argue that such measures are frequently introduced without adequate consultation or consideration for the economic realities facing families, particularly in a period marked by inflation and rising cost of living.
The involvement of non-teaching staff unions through the JAC protest further complicates the situation, as it reflects deeper labour-related grievances beyond student concerns alone.
Why This Matters
The situation at UNICROSS highlights a growing national challenge within Nigeria’s public university system: balancing institutional survival with affordability and access to education.
Matriculation ceremonies are symbolic milestones for new students, formally inducting them into academic life. Their postponement sends a strong signal of institutional instability and unresolved tensions between management, staff, and students.
Beyond UNICROSS, the incident raises broader questions about transparency in fee-setting, stakeholder engagement in decision-making, and the sustainability of public higher education funding in Nigeria.
What Happens Next
As of now, no new date has been announced for the matriculation ceremony. Students and parents are awaiting clarification from the university management on whether the gown rental fee will be reviewed and whether broader fee concerns will be addressed.
Observers say dialogue between the university authorities, staff unions, and student representatives will be crucial to restoring calm and preventing further disruptions to academic activities.
Until then, fresh students remain in limbo, and the controversy continues to fuel debate about cost, accountability, and fairness within Nigeria’s public universities.
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