The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has intensified efforts to secure urgent relief and rehabilitation support for staff members whose homes and properties were devastated by recent flooding at the university’s Calabar Campus.
In an urgent appeal dated August 12, 2026, and addressed to the Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Uyo, Prof. Bassey disclosed that 24 staff families had been displaced by the flooding and were left without temporary accommodation and essential household items.
The Vice Chancellor described the situation as a serious humanitarian crisis, noting that the flood swept away household belongings and left affected families in urgent need of assistance.
UNICROSS Seeks Emergency Relief for Affected Families
Prof. Bassey appealed for emergency relief materials, including mattresses, bedding, electrical appliances, televisions, refrigerators, kitchen equipment, gas cookers and cylinders, as well as financial assistance to secure temporary accommodation and replace essential personal belongings destroyed by the flood.
She further requested support for the rehabilitation of affected staff residences and offices, where important documents, furniture, computers, mobile phones, photocopiers, printers and other equipment were reportedly destroyed.
According to the Vice Chancellor, a preliminary assessment indicates that the overall value of the damage runs into several billions of naira, while further technical evaluation is expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of the cost of rehabilitation and replacement.
Photographic and video evidence of the destruction was attached to the appeal, while the university offered to provide additional documentation or receive an SSDC delegation for an on-the-spot assessment.
UNICROSS Completes Drainage Desilting
While awaiting broader intervention, the university management has taken steps to reduce the immediate risk of further flooding.
Desilting of affected drainage channels has been completed to improve the free flow of water and help prevent another flooding incident in the affected areas.
The measure forms part of Management’s efforts to address the recurring flooding challenge at the university’s Staff Quarters and other affected areas.
Governor Otu Deploys Swamp Buggy to UNICROSS
The Cross River State Government has also demonstrated concern over the flooding situation.
Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu recently deployed a swamp buggy to the university to support efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of the flooding.
The deployment highlights the state government’s concern for the welfare of affected members of the university community and its willingness to support measures addressing the flooding challenge.
Flood Damage Raises Security Concerns
Beyond the immediate humanitarian needs, the Vice Chancellor appealed for intervention to repair critical university infrastructure damaged by the flood.
Among the affected facilities are sections of the perimeter fence, with Prof. Bassey noting that the damage has heightened security concerns around the university.
The rehabilitation of affected infrastructure is therefore expected to be an important component of the recovery efforts.
VC Intensifies Engagement with Government Agencies
The latest appeal is part of Prof. Bassey’s sustained efforts to address the recurring flooding and its impact on members of the UNICROSS community.
As far back as last year, the Vice Chancellor wrote to the Ministry of Environment, drawing attention to the flooding challenges around the Staff Quarters and seeking intervention to address the underlying causes.
Following the latest flooding incident, she also engaged the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), seeking assistance for affected staff and further intervention to address the recurring problem.
She has continued to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders, expressing hope that the ongoing efforts will produce the necessary intervention to alleviate the hardship being experienced by affected families.
Focus on Children, Parents and Elderly Residents
The flooding has reportedly affected families comprising children, mothers, fathers and elderly members of the university community.
Management said it remains committed to supporting affected staff while mobilising relevant stakeholders to provide emergency relief and facilitate the rehabilitation of damaged residences, offices and other university facilities.
The university community is now awaiting further assistance as efforts continue to restore normalcy and develop longer-term solutions to the recurring flooding problem at the Calabar Campus.
— UNICROSS Media Team
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