By Our Reporter
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – In a decisive move to reposition tertiary education in Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Councils of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa, urging members to drive institutional excellence, ensure accountability, and align with global best practices.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Calabar, Governor Otu acknowledged that UNICROSS had long suffered from what many perceived as gross neglect, particularly in terms of physical development. “After deep thought and consultation, and having considered all available facts and evidence, I am today opening a new chapter in the relationship between government and its institutions of higher education,” he declared.
He emphasized that while his administration is committed to a renewed focus on higher education, this attention must be matched with transparency and responsibility by the universities’ managements. The same expectation, he said, applies to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa.
Governor Otu stated that the appointments into both councils and management were carefully considered and reflect the state’s finest minds and seasoned professionals. “I have taken pains in appointing some of the best that the state has in both the Governing Councils and Management of the institutions. I implore you to apply your wealth of experience in making the institutions world-class,” he charged.
He also stressed the importance of respecting the distinct roles of Councils and Management. “Most university problems emanate from role conflict or interference. I trust that each of you will stick strictly to your clearly defined functions,” he warned.
The Governor encouraged council members to leverage their networks to attract new sources of funding and value to their institutions. “Do not limit yourselves to already known threads of resource sources. How well you succeed in attracting alternative support will determine how much you reduce dependency on government,” he added.
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Members of the 6th Governing Council and Management of UNICROSS include Ntufam Dr. Fidelis Ugbo as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council; Prof. Francisca Bassey as Acting Vice-Chancellor; Barr. Francis Oyije, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education; Hon. Francis Ettah and Mrs. Catherine Aibike as Council Members. Also on the council are Prof. (Mrs.) Akon Joshua, Prof. Ekeng Ekefre, Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, and Dr. Fedinald Kamba representing the Senate; Dr. Victor Ndifon and Mr. Ukam Ilok representing the Congregation.
Mr. Victor E. Ene serves as the Registrar and Secretary to Council, while Dr. Ekpe Ibom Ekpe is the University Bursar, and Dr. Veronica Iyishu, the University Librarian. Additional members include Dr. Anderson Etika and Dr. Inyali Peter, President of the UNICROSS Alumni Association.
At the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, members of the newly inaugurated Governing Council include Prof. Susan Eta Etim, who serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council; Prof. Patrick N. Asuquo as Acting Vice-Chancellor; and Dr. Gabriel Ogar Egbe as Registrar. Mr. Francis Oyije, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, also serves on the council along with Bishop Christopher Obasse, Dr. Aya Offu Ebirigor, and Barr. Richard Ogar S. Ogbeche.
Other members are Dr. Ekpe Eyo Bassey as Bursar and Mr. Offem Christopher Okoi as University Librarian. Senate representatives include Dr. Eunice Nsor, Dr. Marcelina Edu, Dr. Ugbe A. Ugbe, and Dr. Tandu Egbe Ojong. Mrs. Edom Itam Ekpenyong and Mr. Own Harold Joe Eban represent the Congregation.
Governor Otu concluded the event by formally inaugurating both councils, expressing his confidence in their ability to lead the universities to new heights. As Visitor to both institutions, he reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to revitalizing the higher education sector, strengthening institutional autonomy, and fostering an environment for innovation, scholarship, and sustainable development.
Dr. Fidelis Ugbo, the Chairman of the Governing Council of UNICROSS responded on behalf of other inuagurated council members and assured that they will not fail in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
