UNICROSS VC Appointment: Alumni Association Backs Prof. Bassey, Urges Gov. Otu’s Confirmation
By Ebi COLLINS
The Alumni Association of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has thrown its full weight behind the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, urging Governor Bassey Otu to confirm her as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.
In a statement released by the National Secretary of the Association, Hon. Njang Ndoma, the body revealed that at an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC), members unanimously resolved to support Prof. Bassey’s candidacy. The decision, he said, was anchored on her outstanding leadership and performance over the past five months.
“The NEC carefully reviewed her tenure so far and was impressed by her ability to secure government support for critical reforms and drive meaningful progress in the university,” the statement read. “She has earned the trust and confidence of the alumni through tangible results and visionary leadership.”
Appealing directly to Governor Bassey Otu, the Visitor to the University, the association noted that UNICROSS has long yearned for a Vice Chancellor capable of engaging constructively with government. Prof. Bassey, they said, has not only demonstrated this rare capacity but has also gone further to attract investments to the institution. They cited her recent success in securing investor commitments, with TETFUND backing, for the development of new student hostel facilities, an unprecedented move in the university’s history.
The association further highlighted her ability to persuade the state government to implement the new National Minimum Wage for staff within two months of her appointment. This, they said, was complemented by her efforts to improve overall staff welfare and her success in securing state approval for the reconstruction of access roads within the university. These achievements, they stressed, reflect a proactive and competent leadership style that addresses long-standing institutional challenges.
In addition to these strides, the association praised Prof. Bassey’s deliberate efforts to engage and empower the institution’s alumni. According to Ndoma, more than 60 percent of appointments made under her leadership have gone to UNICROSS graduates. “She is deliberately mentoring our alumni for greater responsibilities, reflecting a deep-rooted loyalty and emotional connection to her alma mater,” he said.
Criticising the instability caused by frequent changes in leadership, the association argued that Prof. Bassey’s performance within a short period presents a compelling case for her confirmation. To this end, it has mandated its representatives on the university’s Governing Council, Dr. Inyali Peter, who serves as National President of the Alumni Association, and Dr. Ofut Ogar, who represents the congregation, to engage other council members in securing broad-based support for her candidacy.
“The reward for excellent performance is more work,” the statement concluded. “We respectfully urge the Governor to allow Prof. Bassey continue her transformative leadership at UNICROSS.”
The association also called on the university’s Governing Council to uphold a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process for all nominees to be forwarded to the Visitor, in line with the university’s statutes and regulations.
