UNICROSS Bids Farewell to Late Acting HOD, Dr. Fidelis Abeng, in Solemn Commendation Service

Members of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) community gathered in solemn reflection on Friday, November 6, 2026, to pay their final respects to the late Dr. Fidelis Ebungta Abeng, the Acting Head of the Department of Chemistry, whose sudden passing has left the institution in deep mourning.

Dr. Abeng passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2026, at the age of 44, just a day after attending the university’s 123rd regular Senate meeting in seemingly good health.

The commendation service, held on the university grounds, brought together university management, academic colleagues, staff, and students to honor a man remembered as much for his character as for his academic contributions.

Officiating the service, Prof. Igwe Ewona, former Director of Research and Development, alongside Pastor Francis Agbor, a senior university staff member, urged the grieving community to find strength in faith.

“A good name is better than riches,” Prof. Ewona remarked during his sermon, describing the late scholar as a genuinely good man. “Death comes unannounced and remains an appointment with God. We will be remembered not by our material acquisitions, but by how well we lived. The quality of one’s life is ultimately far more important than its length.”

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, the Dean of Deans and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Simon Ogbeche Odey, delivered an official condolence message to Dr. Abeng’s widow, Mrs. Constance Abeng, and the immediate family.

Prof. Odey recounted Dr. Abeng’s steady academic rise since joining UNICROSS in 2017 as a Lecturer II, noting that his humility, strong work ethic, and friendliness had earned him rapid advancement to Senior Lecturer and, eventually, Acting Head of Department.

“Dr. Abeng’s passing is a monumental loss to UNICROSS,” Prof. Odey said. “We encourage his family to take solace in the enduring positive contributions and landmarks he leaves behind.”

Adding to the tributes, the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Peter Amba Neji, expressed shock at the sudden loss, recalling Dr. Abeng’s active and vibrant presence at the Senate meeting just hours before his death. He remembered him as a dedicated scholar and a humble colleague whose presence will be deeply missed across the faculty.

The atmosphere was filled with emotion as members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNICROSS Branch, led solemn prayers, hymns, and songs of solidarity in honor of their departed comrade.

Dr. Fidelis Abeng will be laid to rest today, Saturday, November 7, 2026, in his hometown of Onyadama, located in the Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.