Otu Takes Over Treatment of Injured UNICROSS Students as Hope of Recovery Grows
By Ebi COLLINS
Hope of recovery is growing among students of the University of Cross River State injured in a recent auto crash, following the intervention of Governor Bassey Otu, who has directed the state government to take over the treatment of the victims.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this on Wednesday during a visit to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where many of the injured students are receiving medical care.
Ayuk, who visited the patients alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, said Governor Otu had ordered immediate intervention to ease the financial and emotional burden on the affected students and their families.
“We are here on the directive of His Excellency to ensure that the burden of managing these students is taken over by the government. They are our own, and we owe them that responsibility,” Ayuk said.
He explained that beyond settling medical bills, the state government is working closely with the hospital management to ensure that the students receive quality treatment and recover fully so they can return to their academic activities.
The Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that many of the students had shown significant improvement since their admission.
“We are interested in the survival and quick recovery of these students so they can return to school as soon as possible. The governor has promised to address all issues relating to their treatment and care,” he added.
Speaking during the visit, Akiba commended the management and staff of UCTH for their prompt response and dedication to the treatment of the victims.
He appealed to students and youths to remain calm and avoid acts capable of destroying public facilities, stressing that government hospitals and infrastructure should be protected rather than vandalised.
“Two wrongs do not make a right. We are working hard to improve our health facilities, and destroying them is not the solution. The little we have should be preserved and improved upon,” he said.
Akiba further disclosed that several of the injured students had already been discharged, while those still on admission were responding positively to treatment.
Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of UCTH, Dr. Innocent Abang, said the hospital immediately mobilised medical personnel and resources upon receiving the victims, including collaborating with other healthcare facilities to stabilise some of the patients.
“These are our students from the University of Cross River State, and the management of this hospital is committed to ensuring that they recover fully and are discharged in good condition,” Abang stated.
On behalf of the students, the President of the National Association of Cross River State Students (NACRISS), UNICROSS Chapter, Joshua Betebeke, commended the governor and the state government for their swift intervention.
He also appreciated the Commissioner for Health, the Special Adviser on General Duties, healthcare workers and the university management for standing by the injured students during the difficult period.
“Our colleagues are making significant progress. Seeing and speaking with some of them today has given us hope that they will recover fully and return to school soon,” he said.
Betebeke equally praised the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS for what he described as her “motherly care” and consistent support for the hospitalised students.
He, however, expressed regret over the destruction of public property during protests that followed the incident, explaining that the actions were driven by grief over the loss of colleagues.
“It was never our intention to vandalise government property. Some students acted out of pain and emotion following the unfortunate incident,” he said.
