The University of Cross River State has announced the promotion of nine academic staff members across various faculties, following appraisal exercises conducted by External Assessors. This development marks a significant step in the institution's commitment to academic excellence and staff advancement.

The announcement was made on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during an emergency meeting of the University's Senate at the Calabar campus. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, revealed that five lecturers have been elevated from the rank of Reader to Professor. Those promoted include Professor Joseph Ukpata and Professor Nkpa Ogarekpe of the Department of Civil Engineering, Professor Adebisi Adesola of the Department of Accounting, Professor Sunday Ebaye of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, and Professor Ferdinand Kamgba of the Department of Physics.

In addition to these promotions, four lecturers were promoted from the rank of Senior Lecturer to Reader. The newly promoted Readers are Dr. Patrick Ushie of the Department of Physics, Dr. Ujong Peter Ujong of the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dr. (Mrs) Victoria Iyishu of the Department of Library and Information Science, and Dr. Jerome Egbe of the Department of Civil Engineering.

The Vice Chancellor commended the newly promoted academics for their dedication, scholarly contributions, and service to the University. She noted that their advancement reflects both individual merit and the institution's ongoing pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. The University community has extended its congratulations to the scholars, describing the promotions as well-deserved and indicative of the institution's steady academic growth.