UNICROSS Directs Students to Solemn Assembly Following Disruption of Previous Candlelight Procession
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has announced that no approval has been granted for any fresh candlelight procession in honour of members of the university community who recently lost their lives in a tragic accident.
In a memo issued by the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Victor Ndifon, clearly made the position of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey known stating that management will not give them another opportunity for a candlelight procession after the first approval was violated by students of the Calabar campus though adhered to by students of the other two campuses. He stated that the decision was aimed at ensuring peace and order across its campuses as the institution continues to mourn the loss of three students and a staff member.
The memo noted that the university community remains deeply saddened by the “painful loss of three forthright and progressive students, alongside one diligent staff member,” adding that management is also closely monitoring injured students who are still receiving treatment and recovering.
The fresh directive on candlelight procession followed developments during the candlelight procession of Monday May 4th 2026 at the Calabar campus, where activities were disrupted after some students became violent.
However, similar processions held peacefully at the Ogoja and Okuku campuses.
Against this backdrop, the university advised students to refrain from organising further public gatherings related to the incident, while encouraging the students to participate in a solemn assembly organised by the University’s Management.
The solemn assembly is scheduled to hold at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. The venue of the event has been changed from the New Cafe to Hall 1 of the New Education Block.
The gathering will provide an opportunity for students, staff, other members of the institution and members of the general public to pray for UNICROSS and honour the memory of the deceased.
