University of Cross River State

UNICROSS VC LEADS DELEGATION TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PRESENTS AWARD-WINNING INNOVATIONS TO VISITOR

The Vice Chancellor University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, recently, led a delegation of The University Council members and Management to present the latest National Award-winning inventors from the institution and their spectacular innovations to the State Governor and Visitor to the University, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. The event took place at the Government House, where the Laurel Winners, Prof. Babson Ajibade and Engr. Dr. Joseph Ukpata and their innovative brands � Prof. Babson Ajibade�s BMV-6 Medical Ventilator and Dr. Joseph Ukpata�s Automatic Gari Fryer � were presented to the Governor, a pitch video of the BMV-6 Medical Ventilator explained to him and the its global uniqueness highlighted. Prof. Bassey also presented and explained the Automatic Gari Fryer to the Visitor and informed him that the ventilator is scheduled to represent Cross River State and Nigeria in an international Exhibition in London. The Governor who was pleasantly surprised to know that the BMV-6 Medical Machine came from a staff of UNICROSS, applauded the development saying, it is a huge thing. He was moved to request for a proposal on the London exhibition and promised to fund the trip. The Governor was also quite elated about the Automatic Gari Fryer and indicated interest to acquire some units of the product for an agricultural project in the State. He declared that Cross River State must be given priority to buy units of the Gari Fryer and asserted, in the overwhelming excitement; �when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.� Governor Otu felt certain that the two great innovations presented to him by the UNICROSS VC were an indication that UNICROSS is now prospering as a result of good leadership, exemplified by the sitting, amiable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey. The VC did not fail as she profoundly appreciated His Excellency's magnanimity and attentiveness to UNICROSS. Prof. Bassey was accompanied on the mission by Prof. Mrs. Akon Joshua (Member, UNICROSS Governing Council and former Acting Vice Chancellor), Mrs. Catherine Ajibike (another Governing Council Member), Prof. Mrs. Stella-Maris Okey (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic) and Mr. Idim Effiom Ekenem, the Acting Registrar. The event was rounded off with�photographs

Prof. Francisca Bassey Celebrates Appointment as UNICROSS VC With Thanksgiving Service

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has celebrated her appointment as substantive Vice Chancellor of the University by appreciating God's mercies on her. She appreciated Him at a thanksgiving service held on Sunday 21st September 2025, at Shalom Church, Jonathan Bypass, Calabar. Prof. Bassey, a Professor of Organic Chemistry, was appointed as substantive Vice Chancellor on July 17, 2025, after serving in an Acting capacity for six months. Her appointment by the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was widely applauded, especially in academic circles. She has lived up to expectations since then and continues to attract goodwill from staff and students of the university. Speaking during the thanksgiving service, the Vice Chancellor gave glory to God for all her accomplishments and stated that it was necessary for her to invite all her well-wishers to join her in thanking Him and in praying for His continuous blessings. She said: "I have always drawn succour from God. After God, it is my father and my mother. They gave me the foundation. The Bible says 'train up a child in the way He should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it'. My parents invested in my education and sent me to very good schools. It takes sacrifice to do so." She wished that they were alive to witness her progress and prayed for God's blessings on their souls. The Vice Chancellor disclosed that she grew up in a family that is full of love and praised all her siblings for contributing to lay a solid foundation for her attainments. Prof. Bassey urged Lecturers to always act with integrity and responsibility. She said: "When people's children come into your hands, beware of what you do to them." She emphasized that she has never mistreated anyone's child and will never mistreat anyone's child. The Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his wife, Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for finding her worthy of appointment as Vice Chancellor. She also thanked the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Chairman, Governing Council of UNICROSS, Ntufam Dr. Fidelis Ugbo, and others who played key roles in her appointment. While delivering a sermon at the thanksgiving service, Apostle Frank Umoh of Shalom Church, challenged leaders to use their influence to uplift others and to prepare for life after service. He said: "You won't remain in your office forever. When you are about to round off in your office, be careful to pick a good successor. Keep sentiments aside. Your successor is your pension benefits." The celebration continued with a dinner at Hogis Royale on Bishop Moynagh Avenue, where the Vice Chancellor's family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers toasted her academic achievements and leadership. In her remarks at the Dinner, Chairman of the event and former Commissioner of Information, Pastor (Barrister) Rosemary Archibong, described the Vice Chancellor as "a rare breed of success that God has given to us." She added that: "What we are seeing today is a product of hard work, favour and prayers. God has answered those prayers and we are here to celebrate." Before joining UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey spent her academic career at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), holding various leadership positions. Since assuming office at UNICROSS, she has been credited with driving notable reforms and infrastructural development. The thanksgiving celebration was graced by a host of distinguished personalities, including the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who was represented by the Head of Service, Barrister Orok Okon, and his wife, Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, represented by Dr. Comfort Oko, Senior Special Adviser, Administration, in the Office of the Wife of the Governor. Also in attendance was the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, represented by Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor. Other dignitaries included Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor; members of the Federal House of Representatives, including Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey (representing Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi Constituency) and Hon. Michael Etaba (representing Obubra/Etung Constituency); as well as Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, former member of the House of Representatives. The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; Prof. Itam Hogan, Muri Munene of the Efut Nation and Paramount Ruler of Calabar South Local Government Area; and Queen Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, wife of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, were also present to celebrate with the Vice Chancellor. Equally present were former and current Vice Chancellors of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), including Prof. James Ipoke, Prof. Zana Akpagu (Immediate Past Vice Chancellor), and Prof. Florence Obi (current Vice Chancellor); as well as members of the Cross River State House of Assembly; Hon. Duro Meseko, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC); and former First Lady of Cross River State, Her Excellency Mrs. Florence Dan Archibong. Several Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries also graced the occasion. In addition, Chairmen of Local Government Areas were in attendance, including Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong (Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area) and Hon. Patrick Okon Archibong (Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area); as well as the Accountant General of Cross River State, Mrs. Glory Effiong; Gab Umoden, owner of Access Group of Schools; numerous university professors; and all members of the UNICROSS Governing Council led by Ntufam Dr. Fidelis Ugbo. The event also drew political leaders, members of the academic community from both UNICROSS and UNICAL, Dr. Lawrence Umoh (elder brother of the Vice Chancellor) and their siblings, as well as the Vice Chancellor�s children, who all joined in celebrating the colourful and memorable occasion. We heartily congratulate her and wish her continued success in all her endeavours. � UNICROSS Media Team

Prof. Francisca Bassey Is Substantive VC Of UNICROSS

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu had approved the appointment of Professor Francisca Bassey as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS. �The appointment takes with immediate effect and follows the recommendations of the University�s Governing Council,� read a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, who also served as Vice Chancellor of the institution in the past. Professor Bassey was initially appointed in acting capacity by Governor Otu who is the Visitor to the institution, after Professor Austin Angba was suspended over alleged misconduct which he challenged in Court, won, and later chose to resign. Professor Owan-Enoh described Professor Bassey as, �a seasoned academic and administrator of distinction, brings to the role a wealth of experience, integrity and a deep commitment to advancing higher education.� He further says, �Her emergence reflects the administration�s abiding faith in meritocracy and the empowerment of capable Cross Riverians to drive institutional growth and excellence.� Assuring her of the Visitors support, the statement further read; �Governor Otu congratulates Professor Bassey on this well-deserved elevation and charges her to provide visionary leadership that will reposition University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), as a hub of academic excellence and innovation.� CrossRiverWatch

UNICROSS Pro-Chancellor Leads Governing Council on Courtesy Visit to Commissioner of Education

The Pro-Chancellor of University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and Chairman of the University's Governing Council, Ntufam Dr. Fidelis Ugbo, yesterday led members of the University's 6th Governing Council on a courtesy visit to Senator Stephen Odey, Cross River State Commissioner of Education. The courtesy visit preceded yesterday's first meeting of the 6th Governing Council after it got inaugurated last month. It was meant to introduce members of the Governing Council to the Commissioner and to reinforce a synergy between the Management of UNICROSS and the Ministry of Education. The Ministry plays a supervisory role in UNICROSS. In his opening remarks at the meeting, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, thanked the Commissioner of Education for always representing the interest of UNICROSS. He emphasized the importance of regular communication between the Governing Council and the Ministry of Education and added that UNICROSS is a project that deserves everyone's support and dedication. The Pro-Chancellor further assured the Commissioner that members of the Governing Council will work with him to improve the image and global ranking of UNICROSS. On her part, the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, also assured the Commissioner of Education that she will always work in synergy with him. She cited improved adherence to the policy of "no school fees no exams", prompt release of results, payment of minimum wage to staff of the University and utilization of the previously dormant defunct Heritage Bank Building as some of the strides that UNICROSS has made after she assumed office as Acting Vice Chancellor. She said: "We have made significant strides, including the introduction of immediate result access for students after Computer Based Exams for General Studies courses. This has made results accessible immediately after exams, giving no room for any confusion or alteration. This transparency has been well received." The Acting Vice Chancellor further disclosed plans to improve on facilities that will enhance teaching and learning in the University. She thanked the Commissioner of Education and the State Government for always paying attention to the needs of UNICROSS and promised that the Governing Council, Management, staff and students of UNICROSS will not abuse this goodwill. In his response, the Commissioner of Education thanked members of the Governing Council for the visit and appealed to them to justify their membership of the Council by always offering selfless service to UNICROSS. He charged them to always ensure that results of students get promptly released so that graduating students can promptly proceed on National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and so that certificates and transcripts will get released without unnecessary delay. He said: "The Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is deeply committed to enhancing educational standards. He has implemented transformations in the education sector. The Pro-Chancellor is a renowned technocrat. I have confidence in him. I believe that he will justify the trust that the State Governor and Visitor to the University has in him. Let's strive for unity and work collaboratively to enhance UNICROSS in all areas, not just administratively, but also in addressing student-related issues. We need to implement efficient processes that will speed up the issuance of certificates. Students coming from near and far should be able to collect their certificates within two days, following the necessary procedures and document signing. These improvements will position UNICROSS as a leading institution." The Acting Vice Chancellor assured him that UNICROSS is already taking steps to be a leading institution and will soon become a leading institution under her stewardship as Acting Vice Chancellor and under the stewardship of the 6th Governing Council. The visit ended on a note of mutual commitment to enforcing academic integrity, transparency and institutional reform in UNICROSS. All members of the University's 6th Governing Council accompanied the Pro-Chancellor on the visit. Similarly, all members of the University's Management Team accompanied the Acting Vice Chancellor on the visit.