UNICROSS VC Urges Staff and Students to Open Their Hearts to God

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has urged staff and students of the institution to open their hearts to God, describing the call as being in their best interests and in the overall interest of the University.
Prof. Bassey made the call during the University’s first Prayer Summit and Solemn Assembly for the year 2026, held at the New Cafeteria, Calabar Campus.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor noted that God does not disappoint those who open their hearts to Him and invite Him to intervene in times of difficulty.
She drew inspiration from the biblical parable of the sower, in which seeds fell on thorny ground, rocky places, and fertile soil, and encouraged staff and students to invite God to make their hearts fertile so they could continually yield good fruits.

She said: “Without the help of the Lord you will achieve nothing. God has kept us alive and kept our families alive. God is the alpha and the omega. We have gathered to thank Him from sincere hearts. So, open your hearts. Welcome to the year of God's rule. Welcome to the year of God's reign. Welcome to the year of God's deliverance. Welcome to the year of God's prosperity. UNICROSS has been delivered.”

Delivering an exhortation at the summit, Pastor Umoren Ayang, Lead Pastor of God of Wonders Service, also admonished staff and students to seek God wholeheartedly. Speaking on “the power of choices,” he cautioned against making decisions that could lead to failure.
Pastor Ayang highlighted the dangers of drug abuse and cultism and advised students to shun such vices. He further warned lecturers against engaging in “cash for marks” and “sex for marks.”

His message was anchored on Philippians 4:8, which states: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

The Prayer Summit and Solemn Assembly was coordinated by Prof. Hannah Etta, Director of Academic Planning, and moderated by Pastor Prof. Igwe Ewona, immediate past Director of Research and Development. The programme featured Bible readings by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey; the Registrar, Barrister Uno Ogban; and the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Comrade Favour Ogar.
Prayers were offered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Stella Maris-Okey; and various union chairmen. Pastor Prof. Emmanuel Utah delivered prophetic declarations for the new academic year.

The event was well attended by staff and students of the University.