UNICROSS Now Dysfunctional, Topsy-turvy Over Absence Of Governing Council - Obono-Obla
By Ebi COLLINS
Renowned politician and public affairs commentator, Okoi Obono-Obla Esq, has expressed concerns over the lack of constitution of Governing Council for Cross River State University (UNICROSS) since 2023, saying the absence of governance in the the State-owned University has rendered its operations dysfunctional, epileptic, and topsy-turvy.
"The tenure of the last governing council of the previous Chairman of the Governing Council, Honorable Dr. Emil Inyang had not lapsed before an acting chairman of the Council was appointed to replace him.
"However, the acting chairman that was appointed was meant to complete the tenure of Hon. Dr Emil Inyang, who expired in September 2023," Obono-Obla recalled, worrying that "despite the expiration of the tenure, which the acting chairman was appointed to complete, no new chairman for inexplicable reason(s) has been appointed."
He drew attention of the authorities to paragraph 4 of Section 11 of the Third Schedule of law No.2 of 2020, which provides for completion of tenure where a member vacates office before expiration of his term of four years.
"As it stands now, the purported Chairman occupying the office of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council is in office illegally.
"The non-constitution of the governing council has almost crippled and grounded both administrative and academic activities in the university," the Yakurr-born activist complained.
Section 6 (a-J) of University of Cross River State (Establishment) Law No. 2, 2022
provide membership of the Governing Coincil provides as follows:
(a) the Pro-Chancellor as Chairman;
(b) the Vice-Chancellor;
(c) the Deputy Vice-Chancellor;
(d) one person from the ministry responsible for education;
(e) three persons representing a variety of interests and broadly representative of the whole state to be appointed by the Visitor from each of the three Senatorial districts of the State;
(f) four persons elected by the Senate from among its members (one from the academic staff and the other from administration and professional staff members of the Congregation;
(h) one person elected by Convocation from among its members;
(i) the Registrar who shall be the Secretary of Council;
(j) the National President of the Alumni Association.
"I passionately appeal to the appropriate authority to immediately constitute the Governing Council in accordance with the University of Cross River State ( establishment) Law No. 2 of 2022 and extant regulations," the former presidential aide beckoned on the State Government.
