A former student of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Precious Akuma, has finally received her degree certificate after her viral TikTok videos drew widespread attention to a five-year delay in the processing of her academic results.
Viral Appeal Leads to Resolution
Akuma, whose emotional appeal garnered public sympathy in February 2026, confirmed the development in a new video. She praised the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Francisca Bassey, describing her as “a destiny helper” for her swift intervention. The graduate had earlier taken to TikTok to narrate her ordeal, recounting how she completed her studies in Animal Science but was unable to access her results years after graduation.
Details of the Ordeal
In one of the clips, she struggled to hold back tears as she detailed the frustration that had trailed her academic journey since 2020, when her graduation was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent administrative setbacks. She also shared documents confirming her admission in the 2015/2016 academic session, insisting she had fulfilled all academic requirements but could neither obtain her full results nor proceed with her career ambitions in agriculture.
Impact on University Processes
Her case reignited scrutiny of delays in result processing in Nigerian public universities, particularly at UNICROSS, formerly known as Cross River University of Technology before its renaming in 2021. However, following her public outcry, the university authorities intervened, leading to the release of her results and certificate, alongside those of other affected students.
Reforms Under New Leadership
Bassey, who assumed office about a year ago, has introduced a series of reforms aimed at addressing longstanding administrative bottlenecks. These include improvements in the General Studies programme, enabling students to access their scores in real time, as well as measures to ensure the timely processing and issuance of certificates to graduates. The development has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a positive step towards restoring confidence in the institution’s academic processes.
