By Inyali Peter
During the governorship election, we told graduates, staff and students of the state-owned University, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) that Governor Bassey Otu was the real deal and needed to be supported unconditionally because he cares so much about the University.
He demonstrated his love for the university while in the senate by facilitating the gigantic signature administrative block the university management is currently using. The Governor nominated the project into CBN’s intervention budget when he was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Financial Institutions.
As Governor, Otu’s administration has continued to put the university as a priority.
Within just six months, the university under his watch as visitor secured NUC approval for the commencement or continuation of 17 programmes relevant to the contemporary labour market.
Just a few days ago, Governor Otu’s led State Executive Council approved the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at the University.
I also understand that approval for the commencement and establishment of the law programme is in the pipeline.
Governor Otu, perhaps, couldn’t have done anything less because, beyond his passion, he is also surrounded by people who are as passionate about the institution.
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The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey set the stage for the expansion the University is enjoying now when as a state lawmaker, he sponsored the amendment of the University’s law to move it from a restricted technical University to a limitless conventional one.
The Secretary to the State government and head of administration of Otu’s government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh is another person whose passion for the university can not be quantified. His achievements as Vice Chancellor have earned him a lot of laurels. To date, no Vice Chancellor has done more for the University, especially in the area of infrastructure than Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh!
Also, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, even though more connected to another university, has always prioritised the university. In his short sting at the Senate, he tried to push a lot of things to the Okuku campus of the university. As Commissioner, he has spoken assuredly about his commitment to improving the university, and this has been demonstrated through his memo that secured SEC’s approval for the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine.
However, I also want to appeal that while the government is focusing on the expansion programme, the university’s monthly subvention be reviewed upward to enable management to pay salaries when due. The great expansion programme would amount to nothing if the morale of the staff is low due to poor welfare and delayed salaries.
I thank the Governor, Deputy, SSG, the Commissioner for Education, the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Angba, and everybody involved in the good things happening in the university.
