UNICROSS Introduces Monthly Staff Keep-Fit to Promote Wellness, Productivity

The Management of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has introduced a monthly staff keep-fit programme aimed at promoting physical well-being, improving staff health and enhancing productivity.

The inaugural exercise, held on Friday, October 30, 2026, attracted members of the academic and non-academic staff of the university, who participated in a walk and aerobic exercises designed to encourage physical fitness and healthy living.

Speaking at the exercise, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, represented by the Dean of Engineering and Dean of Deans, Prof. Simon Ogbeche Odey, commended staff for their participation and described the initiative as an important step towards building a healthier and more productive workforce.

Prof. Odey disclosed that the keep-fit exercise would henceforth hold on the last Friday of every month, noting that regular physical activity could help prevent certain ailments, including high blood pressure.

He also encouraged staff to undergo regular medical check-ups to detect and manage health conditions early, rather than waiting until they become critical.

The initiative reflects Prof. Bassey's commitment to staff welfare and her recognition that a healthy workforce is essential to the effective delivery of the university's mandate.

The Director of Sports, UNICROSS, Dr. Joseph Ukpong, led participants through the exercises and, at the conclusion of the programme, emphasised the importance of regular physical activity, adequate rest and healthy lifestyle choices.

According to him, consistent exercise could help reduce medical expenses while improving physical fitness, agility and productivity.

“It will save you the cost of paying hospital bills. In order for exercise to be beneficial, it must be carried out regularly. We are all busy people, but if you wake up after morning prayers and take five or ten minutes to run around in your sitting room or compound, it will go a long way to enhance your productivity and physical fitness. You would become agile and very active,” he said.

Dr. Ukpong also advised staff to prioritise adequate rest, noting that many people experience stress because they do not get sufficient sleep.

He recommended taking short naps or finding time to relax when the demands of daily life make adequate sleep difficult.

On nutrition, the Director of Sports urged staff to maintain balanced diets, eat the right quantities of food at appropriate times and minimise their salt intake, particularly as they advance in age.

He further encouraged staff to be mindful of their lifestyles, explaining that many health challenges associated with ageing could be linked to lifestyle choices.

Dr. Ukpong concluded by urging staff to embrace regular exercise and healthy living, expressing optimism that the initiative would contribute to improved health and productivity across the university community.

The monthly keep-fit programme is expected to provide staff with a regular opportunity to engage in physical activity, promote wellness and strengthen camaraderie among members of the university community.