C’River Assembly Partners “UNICROSS” On Improved Service Delivery 

In a bold step to repositioning educational sector in the state, Cross River State House of Assembly has reiterated it commitment to providing parliamentary backbone in achieving set objective.

This assurances were disclosed in a statement by Hon. Martins Achadu, Chairman House Committee on Education and Member representing Yala 2 State Constituency in the Assembly at a Committee meeting held at the Mini auditorium, Assembly complex, Calabar.

The astute legislator while addressing leadership of the Cross River State University led by her Acting VC, Prof. Francisca Bassey affirmed that hence education is the foundation of a nation’s development, Cross River State will stop at nothing in ensuring improved academic climate for the next generation of scholars.

Hon. Achadu added that flowing from Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s policy thrust on education, the Assembly will give necessary legislative backings to succeed for the good of all

“As far as Cross River State is concerned, UNICROSS is our first degree University which we must do everything to protect.

“From the House of Assembly, we will support all your good intentions in repositioning the institution. 

Whatever is expected of us, don’t hesitate to beckon as our doors are always opened to receive you.

Let it be known that you shouldn’t be intimidated by whatsoever.

“The good things we admire from other universities around the world should be replicated in our dear state. 

Whatever it takes to put our state owned University in the spotlight, due share with us as partners in progress.

“When we fail, that is Cross River State failing in years to come because, we are training leaders of tomorrow from that citadel of knowledge.

We can succeed if we are deliberate about success.” Hon. Achadu stated.

Other Committee Members aligned in totality with their Chairman’s position on providing soft landing for scholars in the state, especially the youth demography.

They applauded the state government for prioritizing the educational needs of constituents with facelift witnessed across the state.

Meanwhile, in her remarks, the Acting VC of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey appealed to the Assembly to come to aid of the institution with a view to assuage her plethora of challenges.

Prof. Francisca expressed that UNICROSS is faced with land encroachments, insecurity, infrastructural deficits, to mention a few making learning unconducive.

The academia referenced an harrowing analogy of an HOD sharing a small office space made of desks with ten other lecturers, worst of, students receiving lectures under the tree at Okuku campus of the institution.

She noted that under such circumstances, knowledge transfer and assimilation is hindered as both students and teacher’s self-esteem are eroded. She says

 “We need a fence to immediately secure the University from encroachments. 

We need to get back our place. 

“Currently, our students and staff are not secured because of intruders and thoroughfare nature of our environment.

We don’t know who is coming in and who is leaving.

“Hostels are bugged and vandalized with other school facilities day in, day out.

A HOD in Okuku campus is sharing a small office space with about ten other lecturers with students receiving lectures under a tree.

These among others affects research and overall outputs from both management and students “ Prof. Francisca Bassey added.

Her germane appeal for educational investments opens another layer on Nigeria’s preparedness to salvage her educational needs in line with international best practices of the 21th century.

However, all hopes are not dashed as Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Out’s administration remains focused on delivering an egalitarian society.

From workers improved welfare packages to job security, infrastructural upgrades among others, the regime continues to foster socioeconomic paradigm shifts, underscoring the importance of people-centric leadership.

With these all inclusive frameworks in the pipeline, Cross River State is on a pedestal of accelerated growth in the coming days.

Dignitaries present at the Committee meeting includes, Hon. Martins Achadu, Committee Chairman, Hon. Bette Philip Obi, Hon. Samuel Neji Abang, Hon. Stanley Nsemon, Hon. Francis Ogbang, Hon. Bassey Bassey Effiong, Hon. Omang Omang, Hon. Pius Ashakia, Hon. Mercy Akpama, Dr. Maurice Olory, Committee Secretary, Prof. Francisca Bassey and team among others.