By Our Reporter
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has emerged as the overall winner in the tertiary institution category of the environmental competition held as part of the 2026 World Environment Day celebration in Cross River State, clinching a cash prize of N1 million.
The competition, organized by the Cross River State Ministry of Environment, was designed to promote environmental sustainability, climate action, sanitation, and environmental stewardship among educational institutions across the state.
UNICAL secured the top position ahead of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), which placed second and received N700,000, while the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, came third with a cash prize of N500,000.
In the secondary school category, UNICAL International Demonstration Secondary School emerged winner and received N500,000. Hope Waddell Secondary School placed second with N300,000, while West African Peoples Institute secured third position and received N200,000.
The awards were presented during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration held at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, under the theme, “Urbanization and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future.”
Organizers said the institutions were assessed based on their environmental initiatives, participation in sustainability programmes, commitment to cleanliness, tree-planting activities, and climate advocacy efforts within their campuses and surrounding communities.
The competition formed part of broader efforts by the state government to encourage environmental responsibility among young people and foster a culture of sustainable development.
Participants and stakeholders commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic platform for promoting environmental awareness and inspiring institutions to play a more active role in addressing climate and environmental challenges.
The Ministry of Environment led by the commissioner for Environment, Obol Moses Osogi PhD explicitly commended participating schools for acting as frontline ambassadors of sustainability. Hope Waddell Training Institute was formally celebrated at the venue, holding onto its crown as the overall winner and top-ranking institution from the state’s environmental excellence and awareness competitions last year.
