The Management of University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has successfully held the first-ever award night and dinner for staff of the University. The award night and dinner held yesterday at Hogis Royale, Calabar. It was the first-ever evening of comradeship, fun, feasting and reward for excellent work in the university. In her remarks at the historic event, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, stated that the night was meant to boldly and publicly recognize and celebrate excellence and express Management's gratitude for the dedication, innovation and passion of staff to the service of UNICROSS. She recalled that when she was appointed as Acting Vice Chancellor some months ago, staff of UNICROSS were working very hard without getting officially noticed, despite poor working conditions and poor salaries. She said: "So I felt we should recognize them, encourage them and embrace them. We want them to know that there is a reward for hard work. Tonight, we are particularly proud to honour some exceptional members of our staff whose commitment to duty, innovation, professionalism and excellence has not only elevated the name of the university but has inspired others." The Vice Chancellor specially recognized Prof. Babson Ajibade, immediate Past Director of Academic Planning, for recently inventing a Ventilator and winning a National award for it. She also specially recognized and acknowledged Dr. Joseph Ukpata, Director of Research and Development, for collaborating with Researchers from other universities to invent a garri frying appliance and winning a national award for it. In her appreciation of the Governor, the Vice Chancellor thanked him for approving the construction of access roads across the three campuses of UNICROSS and for clearing of the pavilion in Calabar campus to pave way for the construction of recreational facilities for both staff and students. She also thanked him for the implementation of the new minimum wage for staff of UNICROSS. The Vice Chancellor enjoined staff of the university to reciprocate these very good developments by continuing to remain committed to their official duties. The award night featured talks. Dr. Emana Ambrose Amawhe, a Politician and Multimedia and Crisis Management Strategist, delivered a talk on "the impact of your responsibility at the workplace". She enjoined staff of UNICROSS to be impactful and responsive so that they can positively shape their work spaces and leave good legacies behind. Similarly, Dr. Bassey Anam, an Associate Professor at Institute of Management and Administration, University of Calabar, delivered a talk on leadership and communication. He appealed to staff of UNICROSS to always adhere to ethical standards and endeavour to mentor their younger colleagues and students. The very entertaining award night also featured cultural drama by the Department of Theatre Arts. The cultural drama was organized by Dr. Affiong Effiom, a Lecturer in the Department. The climax of the award night was the presentation of 20 categories of awards to staff who have distinguished themselves to the service of UNICROSS. Engr. Wofai Ewa of Department of Electrical Engineering won the award of Best Performing Staff and Face of UNICROSS 2025. Similarly, Academic Excellence awards were given to one outstanding student each, from all the Faculties in UNICROSS. Dr. Anderson Etika, Director of Exams and Results, presented the awards to the students and explained that the awards were from the Vice Chancellor in partnership with Empower 360, her Non Governmental Organization (NGO). The colourful event was attended by the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Commissioners, the Accountant General of Cross River State, Dr. (Mrs) Glory Effiong, the first female Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS (when it was known as CRUTECH), Prof. Eka Braide, some very special friends of UNICROSS, members of the Governing Council, all members of the University's Management team, members of the University's Senate, staff and members of the Student Union Government. The maiden Staff Week celebration continued on Friday with a rally by staff and a novelty football match between the Enlarged Management team and the Female team. It will end on Sunday with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Joseph Chaplaincy, UNICROSS. - UNICROSS Management Media Team