UNICROSS, Efut Palace Seek Lasting Solution to Campus Land Encroachment
By Ebi COLLINS
The management of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and the Efut traditional institution have pledged to work together to address the persistent encroachment on university land, following a high-level meeting aimed at safeguarding the institution’s expansion plans and maintaining peace within its host community.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the university management to the Efut Palace on June 1, 2026, where both parties engaged in extensive discussions on the challenges posed by land encroachment and its implications for the university’s development.
Welcoming the delegation, the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South and Muri Munene of the Efuts, Prof. Itam Hogan, commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, for her consistent respect and recognition of the Efut traditional institution.
Hogan recalled that shortly after assuming office, the Vice Chancellor paid a courtesy visit to formally introduce herself to the Palace, describing the gesture as a demonstration of mutual respect and commitment to cordial relations between the university and its host community.
“The Palace has always appreciated the respect and honour accorded to the Efut traditional institution by the Vice Chancellor. Issues affecting the university and its host communities can best be resolved through dialogue, understanding and cooperation,” the monarch said.
In a show of appreciation, the royal fathers present at the meeting gave the Vice Chancellor a standing ovation, acknowledging what they described as her exemplary relationship with the traditional institution throughout her tenure.
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Bassey expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers and community leaders for their willingness to engage in dialogue. She maintained that the disputed land was legally acquired by the Cross River State Government for the university and that records presented at the meeting showed compensation had been duly paid for the acquisition and development of the property.
“The land under discussion was duly acquired and approved for the university by the Cross River State Government. Documents available clearly show that compensation was paid, and the property remains vital to the university’s long-term development plans,” she stated.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the land has been designated for major infrastructural projects intended to improve teaching, learning, research, innovation and the overall student experience.
She, however, raised concerns over increasing encroachment on the university’s property, linking the development to several security challenges, including repeated theft of university assets, attempted assaults on students and the sale of illicit drugs within areas adjoining the campus.
“We can no longer ignore developments that threaten the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. The university has recorded numerous security breaches associated with activities within the encroached areas, including theft, attempted attacks on students and the sale of illicit substances,” she said.
To underscore the severity of the situation, the Vice Chancellor presented video evidence of some incidents and disclosed that the institution had suffered losses exceeding ₦300 million from theft and vandalism.
“Cables, sliding windows and other valuable equipment worth over ₦300 million have been stolen from the Faculties of Engineering, Education and Physical Sciences, the University Staff School, the new auditorium and several other facilities. This situation is deeply troubling and detrimental to our developmental aspirations,” she added.
Prof. Bassey further revealed that security personnel were recently attacked while attempting to halt an unauthorized building project on university land.
“Our security personnel were carrying out their lawful responsibilities when they were violently chased away while trying to question an individual who had commenced construction on university property without authorization. Such actions pose serious threats to peace and security on campus,” she said.
She noted that the continued encroachment had slowed critical infrastructure projects and hampered the institution’s ability to fully utilize land legally designated for educational purposes, despite growing demand for academic and administrative facilities.
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the university’s expanding international profile, announcing academic partnerships with Zhejiang College and Cyprus International University.
“These collaborations will open new opportunities for research, innovation, staff and student exchanges, and global visibility. However, our ability to maximize these opportunities is being constrained by the lack of adequate space resulting from continued encroachment,” she explained.
She further disclosed that the Cross River State Government had reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at recovering portions of the encroached land and protecting the university’s legally acquired property.
Responding, the leadership of the Efut Palace strongly condemned the activities of individuals involved in the encroachment and associated criminal acts.
“We condemn all forms of lawlessness, including theft, vandalism, attacks on security personnel and any activity capable of threatening the safety of students and staff or hindering the growth of the university,” the royal fathers stated.
The traditional rulers reaffirmed their support for UNICROSS and acknowledged the institution’s contributions to education, economic growth and social development within the host community.
“UNICROSS remains a valuable asset to our community. We shall continue to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace, law and order while ensuring that all legitimate concerns are addressed through dialogue and lawful means,” the royal fathers assured.
