By Our Reporter
The University of Cross River State (Unicross) Alumni Association has donated 50 bags of rice (10kg) to ex-students working in the University.
Speaking during the presentation at the main campus of the University in Calabar, the National President of the association, Dr Inyali Peter said that the National Executive Council approved the donation to cushion the effect of the harsh economic condition in the country.
Inyali who said the leadership of the association is reaching out to Cross Riverians of note to reach out to staff of the institution during the yuletide period, appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to consider an upward review of the government’s monthly subvention to the University.
According to him, “During our campaigns, we said that even though the association is not a union, as we’ll give in our all to work to give back to our alma mater, we’ll not forget our members who are genuinely in need. This, to us, is also the essence of an alumni association.
“We are aware that you are owed some salaries, not because the management is unwilling to pay but because the finances are not just there. The subvention from the government can no longer carry the University because the institution is growing with new programs and the staff strength is expanding.
“Even if salaries are paid, the hard economic condition would make it difficult for you to cater to the enormity of challenges facing you with your meagre salaries. So, we decided to reach out with this little token. We intended to reach out to everybody but we’re constrained financially”.
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While commending the Governor for the rehabilitation of both the internal and external roads within the institution, the President however appealed that “Governor Otu has been very generous to the University even before now. During the campaigns, we reminded Cross Riverians and our members how much he did for us by facilitating the beautiful edifice we’re using now as an administrative block.
“His Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey was responsible for why UNICROSS is now a conventional University and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh is our father and a former Vice-Chancellor. So, we believe that he’s already aware of the suffering of our staff and how management is struggling to pay salaries. Therefore, as an association, we want to appeal to him to urgently consider the upward review of the monthly subvention to the University”.
Speaking on behalf of ex-students working in the University, Dr Godswill John, Convener, ‘BLazers for UNICROSS’ commended the NEC for their magnanimity and assured that the rice will be sure fairly.
He said “This is the first time we’re experiencing this. You know we’re the front liners as staff of the institution. This President is just about six days in office and we’re seeing action. This shows that more is yet to come. We thank him and his team and assure them we receive this wholeheartedly”.
