By Sylvia Akpan
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS’s) international partnerships and expand opportunities for academic and research collaboration, the Vice Chancellor of the varsity, Prof. Francisca Bassey, undertook a strategic engagement visit to Cyprus International University (CIU) in April 2026.
During the visit, Prof. Bassey was received by the President of CIU, Professor Dr. Erbug Celebi, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the university’s academic and innovation ecosystem. The presentation highlighted CIU’s history, institutional vision, global standing, multicultural learning environment, and sustainability-driven initiatives.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions, formalizing a collaborative partnership initiative championed by the UNICROSS Vice Chancellor.
Professor Bassey also held high-level discussions with Mr. Mete Boyaci, Chancellor of Cyprus International University and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Levent Holdings.
As part of the engagement, she toured several Levent Holdings facilities including the Winery, Olive plantation, Solar farm, the Brick Factory and Animal Farm, where she observed the University’s advanced automated milk production system and innovative waste recycling processes including the conversion of cow dung into reusable resources.
The visit highlighted CIU’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, technology driven production and environmental responsibility.
In addition, Professor Bassey met with Professor Majid, Senior Advisor, Board of Trustees International Office, to explore strategic areas of collaboration between both institutions. Discussions focused on student exchange programmes, joint supervision of master’s and doctoral research, the development of dual-degree and progression pathways, as well as CIU’s expertise in accreditation processes and global university rankings.
Cyprus International University’s achievements in the 2025 UI GreenMetric Rankings were also highlighted, with the institution ranked 55th globally, 1st in Cyprus, 3rd in Turkey, and 22nd in Europe.
As part of the visit, the Vice Chancellor toured CIU’s Sustainable Building Laboratories, where additional opportunities for collaborative research, innovation, and exchange programs were identified.
The visit further featured tours of the university’s Engineering Workshop, Engineering Factory Laser and automobile production units, demonstrating CIU’s strong commitment to innovation, technology, and environmental sustainability.
In another significant engagement, Professor Bassey interacted with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (Turkish Zone), where she delivered a keynote address titled, “Knowledge Transfer and Nation Building: The Role of Africans in the Diaspora.” In her address, she encouraged students to leverage their international exposure and acquired knowledge towards meaningful contributions to Africa’s development, while emphasizing excellence, responsibility, and transformative impact.
Professor Bassey’s visit reflects UNICROSS’s growing drive toward internationalization, fostering strategic global alliances that will broaden academic exchange, strengthen research capacity, and create greater opportunities for both students and staff.
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