By Jimmy Jackson
The Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the appointment of Professor Francisca Bassey as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, (UNICROSS).
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the state Government, Prof. Owan Eno, on Thursday, July 17, 2025 in Calabar, the state capital.
Prof. Eno said the appointment takes immediate effect and follows the recommendations of the University Governing Council after a rigorous and transparent selection process.
He said “Professor Bassey, a seasoned academic and administrator of distinction, brings to the role a wealth of experience, integrity and a deep commitment to advancing higher education.
“Her emergence reflects the administration’s abiding faith in meritocracy and the empowerment of capable Cross Riverians to drive institutional growth and excellence.
“Governor Otu congratulates Professor Bassey on this well-deserved elevation and charges her to provide visionary leadership that will reposition University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), as a hub of academic excellence and innovation. The government assures her of its full support as she undertakes this important responsibility in service to the State and nation.” The statement added
