By Kelvin Ololo and Joy Okpa
The Cross River State Government has debunked insinuations of a planned relocation of the Okuku Campus of the state owned University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), from Yala to Akamkpa LGA.
The controversy gained momentum after Barr. Alphonsus Eba, former state APC Chairman and now the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 general elections, issued a public statement urging the people of Yala and Cross Riverians to remain calm amid widespread speculation that the Okuku Campus is rumored to be moved.
In his statement, Eba said that although the relocation remained unconfirmed, the rumor had generated significant anxiety among residents, prompting him to call on the government to make a clear public declaration to allay fears.
He warned that if the alleged plan is true, it would not be accepted by the people of Yala, recalling what he described as “painful” the relocation of Radio Ugaga over two decades ago.
The PDP chieftain further alleged that Yala people had suffered a series of political setbacks under the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, citing the removal of former UNICROSS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Angba, and suggesting that the reported relocation would amount to another act of marginalization against Northern Cross River.
Eba described the alleged move as more than a policy decision, alleging it was a calculated attempt to weaken the social, political and educational relevance of the area.
He, however, urged residents to remain peaceful, expressing confidence that what he termed injustice would eventually be addressed through democratic means.
But in a swift response dated July 14, 2026, the Cross River State Ministry of Education dismissed the relocation claim as false and politically motivated.
In a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Adi Odey, described the rumor as “unfounded, mischievous and politically motivated,” insisting that there was no plan whatsoever to relocate the Okuku Campus of UNICROSS to Akamkpa.
According to the Commissioner, the rumor had unnecessarily created panic among students, parents, staff and residents of Yala, resulting in numerous enquiries seeking official clarification.
He stated that the allegation was “a complete fabrication” designed by political detractors to create confusion, sow discord and distract the government from its educational development agenda.
Rather than relocating the campus, the Commissioner said Governor Bassey Otu’s administration had recently approved the renovation of facilities at the Okuku Campus through the leadership of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, demonstrating the government’s commitment to strengthening academic activities and infrastructure at the institution.
“The Okuku Campus is not relocating. It is growing. It is thriving. And it will continue to be a center of academic excellence for generations to come,” the statement read.
The Ministry also appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of Yala, to disregard the rumor and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary tension.
The exchange has introduced another political flashpoint into Cross River’s political landscape, with the opposition questioning government intentions while the administration maintains that the claims are baseless and aimed at scoring political points ahead of future electoral contests.
While the government insists there is no policy to relocate the campus, the opposition argues that the widespread speculation warranted public clarification.
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