By Archibong Emmanuel
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has entered a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Zhenjiang College, China, and Soho-Skyrun Group, aimed at fostering academic collaboration, research partnerships and industrial training opportunities.
The agreement was signed in the presence of top government officials, members of the UNICROSS Management Team, representatives of Zhenjiang College, Skyrun Group, and the Students’ Union Government, during an opening ceremony held on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, in Calabar, Cross River State.
In her welcome remarks, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, said the initiative would pave the way for joint research programmes, global academic exposure, cultural exchange and advancement in industry-driven education within the state-owned university.
She noted that the partnership aligns with the state government’s educational development agenda. Saying “this collaboration will open opportunities for our students and faculty to engage in global learning, joint research and industrial exposure. It fully aligns with the state government’s vision of raising our educational standards to compete globally.”
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Prof. Bassey also commended the State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, for his commitment to transforming the education sector, noting that his administration has continued to stimulate growth in tertiary education.
In their remarks, the President of Zhenjiang College, Li Li, and the General Manager of Skyrun Group, Zhai Jie, described the MoA as a mutually beneficial partnership that will enhance innovation, trade and academic excellence between Nigeria and China.
They expressed optimism that the collaboration would strengthen cultural bonds and promote knowledge exchange between both nations.
Speaking further on the implications of the agreement, the Assistant General Manager of Skyrun Group, Barr. Denis Ogidi, said the collaboration seeks to produce highly employable graduates, facilitate internship placements, deepen Africa-Asia educational cooperation, encourage language learning and promote shared cultural values.
Ogidi said, “The essence of this partnership is to train students who can fit into global industry standards, strengthen ties between Africa and Asia, and bridge cultural and language gaps.”
Representing the Governor, the General Secretary to the State Government, Mr Okpa E. Akpet, commended UNICROSS for taking proactive steps toward global integration. Saying “this collaboration will create a functional educational bridge connecting two continents. It is a commendable stride toward internationalising our academic environment.”
During their visit, the delegation from Zhenjiang College and Skyrun Group also toured the university’s proposed project sites and later paid a courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office.
Highlights of the event include the signing of the MoA, cultural performances, goodwill messages, and the exchange of symbolic gifts and artworks.
