UNICROSS Alumni Commends Gov Otu For Payment Of Varsity's November Subvention
By Ebi COLLINS
The University of Cross River State (Unicross) Alumni Association has commended Governor Bassey Otu for the payment of one month subvention to the University for the payment of November 2023 staff salary.
The association in a statement by its National President, Dr. Inyali Peter, said that having interacted with key government officials, it is confident that the state government is making concerted effort to clear the outstanding three months salary arrears of staff.
The association which expressed believe in the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration's commitment to reposition the University for greatness, also lauded the Governor for his open-door policy which culminated in his recent meeting with members of the Academic Staff University of Universities (ASUU), Unicross chapter to discuss issues affecting the University.
The Alumni maintained that the meeting with the union was timely and necessary to enhance industrial harmony in the institution, bridge communication gap between the union and the visitor to the University, as well create understanding on the challenges faced by staff and the efforts government is making to address them.
"We want to thank His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu for demonstrating that he is truly a listening father by directing the release of one month subvention to clear November 2023 salary. Also, we are grateful to the Governor for finding time to interact with Unicross ASUU executives on critical issues affecting the University.
"We are not oblivious of the challenges the University is facing at the moment especially as it concerns the three months unpaid salaries. We recognise and appreciate the efforts of the government to find a lasting solution to the struggles of the University to pay salaries, however, like Oliver Twist, even though we are appealing, we are still confident that the remaining three months unpaid salaries will be cleared.
"Schools have resumed and UNICROSS staff, like other parents, want to pay their children school fees. Children of so many are still at home because their parents don't have the resources to send them back to school. Some want to renew their rents or sort out one or two things. January is usually a very tough month for everybody. So, to relieve our staff who are sacrificing so much, we are crying to the 'People-first' government of Governor Otu to expedite action to clear the arrears," the statement further read.
While calling on relevant authorities to show understanding and support as government continues to work to place the University on the path of sustainable development, the association said that "the President had engaged the Governor and several relevant government officials a number of times on these issues and can say that the Governor and his government have the best intentions for the institution. In fact, key members of this administration have always had.
People should not forget in a hurry that even before becoming Governor, Otu facilitated the signature edifice that is standing in the University today. His Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey revolutionised the University by starting and completing the process that has made it a conventional University to be offering conventional courses today.
The Secretary to the State Government and Head of Administration, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh on the other hand, turned the University into a construction site as a Vice Chancellor few years ago. Within just seven months in office, the current administration has approved the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine for the University.
So, all the signs are there that under the current administration, the University is heading in the right direction. Therefore, we appeal to all relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the government to address any obstacle that is standing against the trajectory the administration is taking the institution to."
