UNICROSS HODs Charged to Sustain Hard Work, Uphold Discipline and Build Stronger University

📅 Posted on August 29, 2026

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Heads of Departments (HODs) at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) have been charged to sustain hard work, uphold discipline and remain committed to excellence as part of collective efforts to transform the University and reposition it for greater achievements.
The charge was given by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, during an interactive meeting with Heads of Departments held today at the Conference Room of her office.

The meeting, initiated by the Vice Chancellor as part of her ongoing engagement with academic leaders, provided an important platform for Management and Heads of Departments to discuss institutional responsibilities, challenges and strategies for improving academic administration and the overall development of the University.
Commending the HODs for their hard work and dedication, Prof. Bassey encouraged them to remain focused and committed to their responsibilities, assuring them that their efforts would contribute meaningfully to the growth of UNICROSS.

Drawing inspiration from the Bible, she said: “There is nothing impossible to him that believeth. When you focus your eyes on what you want to achieve, you can achieve it despite the obstacles. If we have that mindset we can achieve the best for UNICROSS.”

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that dedication to duty and genuine commitment to the interests of students and Cross River State would attract recognition and opportunities for staff.
“God rewards hard work. If you do well, you will be called for positions you did not lobby for. If you have the interest of these children and Cross River State at heart, God will call you to reward you. Just do your work. The blessings will come,” she said.

She urged the HODs to work sincerely towards building a stronger University.
“Let's play our parts to build UNICROSS. Together we can change the narrative and we will change the narrative,” Prof. Bassey declared.

She also announced that the University would expand opportunities for staff training and exchange programmes, while encouraging staff members to pursue personal development and make meaningful use of their time.
“We are going to have a lot of training. There will be more exchange programmes. Those that are working will benefit from the training and exchange programmes. But do personal training and improve on yourselves,” she said.

On infrastructure, the Vice Chancellor assured the HODs that bad roads within some parts of the University's campuses would be addressed, stressing the strategic role of UNICROSS in producing the manpower required by Cross River State and the nation.
“We desire to have attention because we train the manpower of the state and nation. Go back and motivate your staff,” she added.

Prof. Bassey further directed Heads of Departments to ensure the prompt submission and uploading of students' results, warning that the salaries of lecturers and HODs who delay the submission of results would be withheld.
She equally reminded the HODs of the need to uphold discipline in their departments and ensure that staff members shun unethical practices, including examination malpractice.

The Vice Chancellor also emphasized the importance of due process and adherence to the University's organogram in addressing perceived grievances, assuring the HODs of Management's commitment to maintaining a harmonious working environment.
“We are a family,” she said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Stella Maris-Okey, reminded the Heads of Departments of their responsibilities and urged them to ensure the prompt uploading of students' results.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong; the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs) Catherine Osai; the Librarian, Dr. (Mrs) Victoria Iyishu; the Bursar, Mr. Wilson Aniyom; the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Hannah Etta; and the Director of Examination and Results, Dr. Anderson Etika, also attended the meeting.

The engagement further demonstrates the Vice Chancellor's proactive and inclusive leadership style, particularly her commitment to maintaining direct communication with academic leaders, strengthening accountability and mobilizing the University's leadership and staff towards a shared vision of transforming UNICROSS.