UNICROSS Inaugurates New SUG Executives, Charges Leaders on Accountability and Student Welfare

📅 Posted on November 14, 2026

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The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has inaugurated its newly elected Students’ Union Government (SUG) executives for the 2026/2027 academic session, with a charge on them to uphold accountability, unity, discipline and student welfare.

The ceremony, held on Friday, November 13, 2026, brought together members of the university management, student leaders, faculty and departmental presidents, as well as outgoing and incoming SUG executives.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, the Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Simon Ogbeche Odey, congratulated the newly elected executives, describing their victory as a demonstration of the confidence reposed in them by the student community.

He urged them to embrace servant leadership, emphasising that their positions were opportunities to serve rather than exercise authority. He identified humility, integrity, courage and selflessness as essential qualities of effective leadership.

Prof. Odey also charged the executives to promote unity, maintain discipline and respect university regulations. He warned against cultism, gangsterism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, sexual harassment and other antisocial activities, stressing that the university would not tolerate such misconduct.

He encouraged the new administration to address students’ concerns through dialogue and established channels of communication, while assuring them of management’s support for legitimate initiatives aimed at improving students’ welfare.

Earlier, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Victor Ndifon, explained that the university had adopted measures to ensure a credible electoral process. These included verification of candidates’ CGPAs, drug tests, written aptitude examinations and independent security checks.

He emphasised that the process was conducted in accordance with the published electoral guidelines, without personal or political considerations, and reminded the incoming executives that the real task of leadership began after the election.

In his valedictory address, the outgoing SUG President, Comrade Favour Ogar, urged his successors to build on the achievements of the previous administration and take the union to greater heights. He appreciated the university management and students for the opportunity to serve, noting that while leadership positions were temporary, the commitment to service should endure.

In his inaugural address, the new SUG President, Comrade Ernest Ernest Asuquo, expressed appreciation to God, the university management and students for the confidence placed in the incoming administration.

He pledged to prioritise student welfare, academic development, effective representation, accountability, unity and improved communication between students and university management.

Comrade Asuquo also promised an inclusive administration that would represent all students, irrespective of their faculty, campus or political affiliation. He called on members of the executive council, SUG Senate, faculty presidents and departmental leaders to work together in the interest of the student community.

He further assured students of an accessible leadership committed to listening to their concerns and delivering practical results.

The newly elected officials subsequently took their oaths of office, pledging to uphold the SUG Constitution, respect university regulations, discharge their responsibilities faithfully and place the collective interest of students above personal considerations. They were thereafter formally inaugurated and presented with certificates of office.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the newly elected Vice-President, Comrade Ayuk Kennedy, appreciated the university management, particularly the Dean of Student Affairs, for overseeing what she described as a free and fair electoral process. She also thanked students and other stakeholders for their support, assuring them of the administration’s commitment to service.

The ceremony concluded with prayers and the singing of the National Anthem, Cross River State Anthem and University Anthem.

The inauguration ushers in a new administration of student leadership at UNICROSS, with expectations that it will translate its commitments into improved representation, accountability and student welfare.