Students and faculty in the Wood Products Engineering and Visual Arts departments at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) are set to receive a major upgrade in hands-on training following the acquisition of two modern laser cutting machines.

Related Stories

The new equipment, recently delivered to the university’s Calabar campus, was procured under the administration of Vice Chancellor Prof. Francisca Bassey. The shipment includes one specialized machine designed for cutting metals and a second built to handle non-metal materials, directly addressing the distinct fabrication needs of both engineering and fine arts students.

According to the university, the acquisition was inspired by Prof. Bassey’s recent official visit to Cyprus. While observing how higher institutions there integrate industrial tools into their curricula, the Vice Chancellor identified laser fabrication technology as a vital resource for modernizing UNICROSS’s workshops and studios.

For years, bridging the divide between classroom theory and real-world industrial production has remained a central challenge for technical and creative programs. By bringing commercial-grade laser cutters onto campus, the university aims to give students direct access to the same precision tools used in contemporary manufacturing, architectural modeling, and commercial design.

Beyond routine coursework, the machines are expected to open up new avenues for faculty research, prototypes, and commercial production projects within the school.

Installation of the units in their respective departmental workshops is scheduled to begin shortly, after which they will be opened for student training and academic production. The investment reflects a broader push by Prof. Bassey’s leadership to modernize campus infrastructure and ensure UNICROSS graduates enter the workforce with practical, industry-ready skills.