UNICROSS launches maiden staff week with free health screenings, Hepatitis B vaccination drive
By: Joe Ehpraim.
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) marked a historic milestone today as it commenced its inaugural Staff Week Celebration, a four-day event designed to honor, engage, and uplift its workforce.
The event, held from July 31 to August 3, 2025, was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, who emphasized the university’s commitment to staff welfare, institutional growth, and a culture of excellence.
In her opening address, Professor Bassey described the Staff Week as a “deliberate and visionary” initiative aimed at fostering unity, recognizing contributions, and promoting the holistic well-being of both academic and non-academic staff.
“This is not just another calendar activity; it is a heartfelt appreciation of the human capital that forms the bedrock of our university,” she stated.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the administration’s focus on staff welfare, improved work conditions, and inclusive decision-making, urging participants to fully engage in the week’s activities, including medical check-ups, wellness talks, fitness sessions, and networking events.
Professor Bassey expressed hopes that Staff Week would become an annual event, strengthening institutional bonds and promoting a culture of health and excellence. She reaffirmed her administration’s dedication to staff development, infrastructural growth, and global academic recognition.
A major highlight of the event was the free medical outreach, featuring screenings for malaria, hepatitis B, HIV, and vital signs checks.
A key highlight of the opening day was a medical outreach that featured screenings for malaria, prostrate specific antigen, widal test, HIV, and vital signs.
In collaboration with Holistique Public Health, the St. Collins Iwara Development Initiative (SIDI), and the Cross River State Chapter of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, the university also rolled out a free hepatitis B vaccination drive for staff and students.
Ebube Bruno, Programme Administrator for Holistique Public Health, revealed alarming statistics noting that 1 in 15 Nigerians live with chronic hepatitis B, with Cross River’s northern region recording 1 in 10 infections.
According to him, the disease, 100 times more infectious than HIV, often goes undetected, silently damaging the liver and posing risks to future generations.
Bruno explained that the initiative ensures follow-up doses via SMS reminders or referrals to nearby pharmacies, particularly for staff in remote areas.
Dr. Okechukwu Victoria Briggs, UNICROSS’s Acting Director of Medical Services, emphasized the importance of awareness, stating:
“Many don’t know they’re infected. Early detection and vaccination save lives.”
Mrs. Miriam Odey, a Chief Data Entry Officer, praised the initiative:
“This is a first-of-its-kind program. A healthy staff means better productivity. I urge the management to sustain it.”
The event also included a presentation on financial management by Christiana Adams, MD of CRUTECH Community Microfinance Bank, who emphasized important strategies to prevent debt burden that may result in depression.
During the week, staff will participate in team-building exercises, interactive sessions, and social events, reinforcing the theme of unity, wellness, and gratitude.
