Cross River Governor Endorses UNICROSS Inventions for Statewide Impact

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has applauded the ingenuity of two inventors from the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), describing their recent breakthroughs as a testament to the rising profile of the institution under its present leadership.

The Governor gave the commendation on Thursday when the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, led a delegation to present the inventions at Government House, Calabar. The inventors, Prof. Babson Ajibade, immediate past Director of Academic Planning, and Dr. Joseph Ukpata, Director of Research and Development, recently received national recognition for their innovations.

Prof. Ajibade developed the Babson Multi-Flex (BMV-6) Ventilator, a versatile medical device, while Dr. Ukpata, in collaboration with researchers from other universities, designed a modern garri frying appliance. Both inventions, showcased through video presentations, earned the admiration of the Governor, who described them as timely and impactful.

Governor Otu congratulated the inventors for their creativity and resilience, and pledged that the state government would adopt and promote the innovations for wider use. He attributed the achievements to the effective leadership of Prof. Bassey, noting that her tenure has positioned UNICROSS as a hub of innovation and excellence.

“This is a development that deserves maximum support. These inventions will not only strengthen healthcare delivery and local production but also place Cross River on a global pedestal,” the Governor stated.

The delegation included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Stella Maris-Okey; Registrar, Mr. Idim Effiom Ekanem; former Acting Vice Chancellor and Governing Council member, Prof. Akon Joshua; and Mrs. Catherine Ajibike, also of the Governing Council.