The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has announced the indefinite postponement of the 2025/2026 matriculation.
 
The Registrar of the university, Dr Catherine Ndifon Osai, who made this known in a circular, which was made available to journalists on Wednesday in Calabar, the state capital, said the postponement is a result of the ongoing protest by the Joint Action Congress (JAC) of the three non-teaching unions of the university.
 
The circular, which was dated January 26, 2026 and entitled “Indefinite postponement of matriculation ceremony,” was addressed to all staff, students and the general public.
 
“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, earlier scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Calabar Campus and Friday, January 30, 2026, in Ogoja and Okuku campuses, has been postponed indefinitely.
 
“The postponement is sequel to the ongoing protest by the Joint Action Congress (JAC) of the three non-teaching unions of the university. We sincerely regret any inconveniences this postponement may cause to all concerned,” the circular noted.
   
It explained that a new date would be communicated in due course.
 
The Guardian investigation revealed that the development may be linked to student protests over the increase in school fees amid the portal crisis and the three months’ salaries owed to lecturers.

The school management announced a fee hike, effective for new students admitted for the 2024/2025 session.

The institution noted that the changes are part of a broader strategy to balance financial sustainability with its mission to offer quality education.

New students enrolling at the university have a revised fee structure. They are to pay N83,380 for indigenous students, while non-indigenous students will pay N98,380.

This is different from the old fees, where indigenous students paid N73,315.00 and non-indigenous students paid N84,815.