By Kingsley Agim
History was made at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) as its Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, was formally inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE).
The induction, which took place on Friday, April 23, 2026, makes Professor Bassey the first female Fellow of the Association in Cross River State, marking a major feat in her academic and professional journey.
The honour followed a courtesy visit by a delegation of NATE officials led by representatives of the association’s national and state leadership.
Speaking at the event, Professor Bassey expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a collective achievement for the university community. She commended NATE for its role in advancing technical education and manpower development.
“My team and I are building the manpower of this state by giving a solid foundation to our youth. We are strengthening our systems through international collaborations so that our graduates earn certificates recognised globally. We must hit the ground running because faith without works is dead,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to improving academic standards and expanding global partnerships, noting ongoing collaborations with institutions in China and Cyprus to enhance students’ competitiveness.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NATE Board of Fellows, Engr. Bassey Inyang, described the fellowship as a recognition of Professor Bassey’s distinguished service, resilience, and contributions to institutional development.
He noted that the honour also reflects the growing collaboration between NATE and UNICROSS, particularly in promoting technical and artisan training.
In his remarks, the Cross River State Chairman of NATE, Engr. Murphy Ekpo, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to strengthening technical capacity in the state.
He disclosed plans to train over 2,000 artisans, stressing the need to equip young people with relevant technological skills through certification programmes and strategic partnerships.
Also speaking during the formal decoration, Engr. Ekpeyong Ekpeyong announced plans by the association to institute an award for the best graduating engineering student in UNICROSS as part of efforts to promote academic excellence.
