UNICROSS VC Presents 2025 Report To Education Commissioner

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, Professor Francisca Bassey has presented a comprehensive report of the university’s activities and progress for 2025 to the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey. During the presentation, Prof. Bassey highlighted the university’s achievements, including the approval and commencement of minimum wage payments for staff, and the conduct of a National Universities Commission, NUC, accreditation exercise for 18 newly introduced academic programmes. The VC said, “We have recorded significant progress since I assumed office, including the construction of an entrepreneurship workshop, en-suite offices, and laboratories.” She also reported improvements in academic administration, including the timely submission of students’ results by lecturers. The Vice Chancellor noted that the university had implemented its first increase in school fees since 2009, citing rising costs of goods and services nationwide. Prof Bassey added, “This is a complete university. We have to adequately fund it to prepare our children for the future and for the competitive world ahead of us.” Prof Bassey appealed to the state government to assume responsibility for staff salaries, recruit additional staff, and provide improved funding to ease the university’s financial burden. She also requested for the perimeter fencing of campuses and construction of access roads. In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Education, Senator Odey hailed Professor Bassey and the university management for the progress, assuring them of the ministry’s continued support. Odey said, “You have started very well. The increase in school fees is a right step. Keep your eyes on the ball.” The commissioner promised to lead a delegation to UNICROSS to assess developments and challenges, expressing the confidence that programmes assessed by NUC would receive full accreditation. The visit was attended by UNICROSS management team and internal Governing Council members, who were received by the commissioner and ministry officials. The university has made significant strides, including acquiring a broadcasting licence and establishing e-libraries across campuses. However, challenges persist, including inadequate funding and security concerns. Professor Bassey assured that the university is working to address issues affecting students’ academic records, and has uploaded over 50 million outstanding results.