C'River Deputy Governor Assures UNICROSS Alumni Of Collaboration To Improve Varsity's Standard
By Ogbu KOSY
Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey has assured the University of Cross River (UNICROSS) Alumni Association of his collaboration with a view to better the lots of the burgeoning State-owned institution.
Rt. Hon. Odey gave the assurance, Thursday, while interacting with the leadership and members of UNICROSS Alumni Association, who were in his office on a courtesy call.
Basking in the euphoria of UNICROSS' astronomical rise in recent times, which has seen the varsity ranked seventh best in the country, and received National Universities Commission's approval for 17 fresh academic programmes, the Deputy Governor informed that the present administration is resolute in making the only state-owned university a world-class and a reference point in the comity of Nigerian institutions of higher learning.
The former lawmaker also averred that his vision for an improved institution of learning necessitated his sponsorship of the bill, during his stint at the State House of Assembly, that changed the Association's alma mater from a mere university of technology to a full fledged conventional university in order to expand its frontiers.
"Your University, with its new status, will soon begin to reap tremendous benefits. The move to reposition the institution has begun in earnest. Be rest-assured that we would reach greater heights in the near future," Odey enthused.
The Ogoja-born politician reminded the Association of the University Management's interface with the State Government with regards to upward review of subvention as well as addressing other teething challenges bothering UNICROSS. He restated Governor Bassey Otu-led administration's commitment to improve education in the state, pledging to direct all requests made to the appropriate quarters.
He also commended the Association's members for being worthy ambassadors of their alma mater and Cross River, charging them to channel their energies and resources on ventures that would engender development of the state, while reiterating his preparedness for meaningful partnerships that would contribute to the growth of the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Association, Comrade Eyam Abeng said the essence of the visit was to appreciate the Deputy Governor for his youth-friendly disposition, as well as draw his attention to a few challenges bothering the Alumni body and UNICROSS.
Abeng, who further appreciated Odey for his foresight to have sponsored the bill that upgraded the State-owned university to its present status, informed that the such vision has enabled the University to grow in leaps and bounds.
The Association's President boasted of the quality of UNICROSS' graduates, whom, he said, are making the state proud in different endeavours both within and outside Nigeria, and called on the present administration to consider alumni of UNICROSS in appointive positions, job placements and employment into the service of the state and Federal government.
He also sought for the utilisation of UNICROSS in soil testing for road construction, attention to the institution's management, increased subvention as well as utilisation of the University as a consultant in Research driven policy formulations.
Abeng , in his conclusion, thanked the Deputy Governor for his open door policy and receptiveness, beseechingly informing him that the Association will continue to knock on his door for more rewarding gestures.
