Governor Otu pledges reforms, collaboration for UNICROSS Development

Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) to meet international academic standards.

During a crucial meeting with the university’s leadership and stakeholders, the governor emphasized the need for unity and strategic collaboration to tackle the institution’s systemic challenges.

“We need UNICROSS to set strategic objectives and produce qualified graduates despite various systemic problems. This is also a strong appeal for collaboration. We need unity. This is not a time to pick sides,” Governor Otu stated.

Addressing concerns raised by the university community, Governor Otu assured that key issues, including poor infrastructure and staff welfare, would receive immediate attention. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the university’s union leaders in sustaining academic activities despite financial constraints and pledged to initiate wage adjustments.

“The school is dear to us, and now that there are grounds for collaboration, we will begin work on our end to address infrastructure deficits. We want productivity and improved staff morale. We understand the need for salary adjustments, and we will start the process as soon as possible. On security, we will work with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and development of the institution,” the governor assured.

Earlier in his speech, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, the university’s pro-chancellor and chairman, Governing Council, commended Governor Otu for salvaging UNICROSS from academic extinction through his interventions, assuring that the university’s new leadership will leave no stone unturned in engaging with government to better lots of the institution.

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Francisca Bassey, acting vice chancellor, UNICROSS, outlined some of the pressing challenges facing the institution, including the need for improved working conditions and urgent infrastructural upgrades. She commended the union leaders for their patience and highlighted the importance of a conducive academic environment.

“I would like to thank the union leaders for their respect and understanding. We need good working conditions to take the school to the next level. The educational sector deserves more attention because we train people and conduct vital research,” she noted.

Bassey also raised concerns about the accreditation of 16 programmes, which had only undergone pre-verification, warning that any delay could result in significant setbacks.

“If we miss this opportunity, we will have to start from scratch, which would set us back significantly,” she cautioned.

Also speaking, Patrick Ushie, chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNICROSS Chapter, outlined several demands, including the full implementation of the minimum wage, payment of outstanding promotion arrears, and improved working conditions.

“The government should, as a matter of urgency, commit more resources towards improving facilities, security, and halting land encroachment. We also demand the immediate payment of all third-party deductions such as check-off dues, cooperatives, welfare, and national housing fund deductions,” Ushie stated.

Inyali Peter, president, Alumni Association, UNICROSS, also expressed gratitude to the governor for the engagement, describing it as a stepping stone toward stronger relations between the government and the institution. He appealed for increased funding, the inclusion of UNICROSS engineering professionals in infrastructure development projects, and the resolution of challenges affecting the university’s ability to hold regular convocations.

He further urged the government to constitute a visitation panel to serve as an independent information resource for assessing the institution’s needs and challenges.