By Jimmy Jackson
The Governor of Cross River State Senator Bassey Otu has inaugurated the Governing Councils of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa (UEE).
Governor said that the move is a deliberate effort to reposition state-owned universities, the the University of Cross River State had long suffered neglect, particularly in infrastructure development. He promised renewed government attention but stressed the need for accountability and transparency from university leadership.
He urged both Councils and Management teams to avoid role conflicts and work together in clearly defined capacities to achieve set goals. The Governor also encouraged council members to use their networks to attract alternative funding sources to reduce dependence on government.
“After deep thought and consultation, and having considered all available facts and evidence, I am today opening a new chapter in the relationship between government and its institutions of higher education,” he declared.
Members of the 6th Governing Council and Management of UNICROSS include Ntufam Dr. Fidelis Ugbo as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council; Prof. Francisca Bassey as Acting Vice-Chancellor; Barr. Francis Oyije, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Hon. Francis Ettah, and Mrs. Catherine Aibike as Council Members. Also on the council are Prof. (Mrs.) Akon Joshua, Prof. Ekeng Ekefre, Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, and Dr. Fedinald Kamba representing the Senate; Dr. Victor Ndifon and Mr. Ukam Ilok representing the Congregation.
Mr. Victor E. Ene serves as the Registrar and Secretary to Council, while Dr. Ekpe Ibom Ekpe is the University Bursar, and Dr. Veronica Iyishu, the University Librarian. Additional members include Dr. Anderson Etika and Dr. Inyali Peter, President of the UNICROSS Alumni Association.
The University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, members of the newly inaugurated Governing Council include Prof. Susan Eta Etim, who serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council; Prof. Patrick N. Asuquo as Acting Vice-Chancellor; and Dr. Gabriel Ogar Egbe as Registrar. Mr. Francis Oyije, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, also serves on the council along with Bishop Christopher Obasse, Dr. Aya Offu Ebirigor, and Barr. Richard Ogar S. Ogbeche.
Other members are Dr. Ekpe Eyo Bassey as Bursar and Mr. Offem Christopher Okoi as University Librarian. Senate representatives include Dr. Eunice Nsor, Dr. Marcelina Edu, Dr. Ugbe A. Ugbe, and Dr. Tandu Egbe Ojong. Mrs. Edom Itam Ekpenyong and Mr. Own Harold Joe Eban represent the Congregation.
The Governor expressed confidence in the newly appointed officials to reposition the institutions for academic excellence.
