NATE President Praises UNICROSS VC for Pioneering Artisan Training Initiative

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), Engr. Dominic Udoatan, has commended the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, for her dedication to advancing engineering education and practice.

Engr. Udoatan made the remarks on Thursday, 11th September 2025, during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor. He particularly lauded Prof. Bassey for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NATE to affiliate UNICROSS with the Association for the training of engineering artisans.

"This is the first time NATE is partnering with any Nigerian university to train artisans. The MoU on artisan training is a remarkable achievement. UNICROSS is the first university to undertake such an initiative, reflecting the proactive nature of your administration," Engr. Udoatan stated. "This programme will serve not just Cross River State but the entire country. I am confident that other institutions will emulate this model once it begins."

Expressing personal satisfaction with the visit, Engr. Udoatan, an alumnus of the institution having graduated in 1986 when it operated as The Polytechnic, Calabar, acknowledged UNICROSS’s historic reputation for excellence in engineering education. He expressed confidence that the current administration would uphold that legacy, while congratulating Prof. Bassey on her appointment as Vice Chancellor and thanking the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for the appointment.

Highlighting the practical orientation of the artisan training programme, Engr. Udoatan emphasized its potential to create employment and promote entrepreneurship. "It will be 90% practical and 10% theory. This is not just another academic exercise—it’s about empowering individuals with hands-on skills that lead to job creation and self-reliance," he said.

In response, Prof. Bassey expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to partnering with NATE. "I’m proud to welcome you back to your alma mater. Our vision is to empower both young and mature learners with practical skills that foster self-employment, especially in a challenging job market," she stated. "You have the full support of the university’s management."

A highlight of the visit was the announcement by Engr. Udoatan of the approval for Prof. Bassey’s admission as a Fellow of NATE. She is set to be formally inducted during the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NATE, alongside the Deputy Governor of Lagos State.

Prof. Simon Odey, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Dean of Deans, Engr. Murphy Offiong, Chairman of the Cross River State Chapter of NATE, and other distinguished Fellows of NATE accompanied the National President on the courtesy visit.

UNICROSS officials, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, the Registrar, Mr. Edim Effiom Ekanem, the Librarian, Dr. (Mrs) Victoria Iyishu, the Bursar, Dr. Ibom Ekpe Ibom, the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onen Ebri Onen, and the Deputy Director of Center for Educational Services (CES), Dr. John Inah Ukam, received the visitors.

The partnership is expected to expand UNICROSS’s course offerings to accommodate practical skills training, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.