UNICROSS VC Commends Staff, Students of Ogoja and Okuku Campuses

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has lauded the staff and students of the Ogoja and Okuku campuses for their contributions to the growth and stability of the institution.

Prof. Bassey gave the commendation during visits to the campuses on Thursday and Friday, where she engaged with staff and students, pledging Management’s continued support.

At Ogoja Campus on Thursday, she praised the unity and resilience of the community despite challenges.
"I have never heard complaints from this campus. I want to commend the leadership, the staff, and my lovely children for their cooperation, sacrifice, and focus. I am deeply grateful. I am proud to be your mother," she said.

The Vice Chancellor urged students to embrace discipline and purpose, asking them to reflect on how they could contribute positively to society and to the University. She assured them that arrangements were underway for more lecture halls, offices, and hostels that would be ready before the end of the year.

Prof. Bassey attributed recent progress in UNICROSS to the support of the Cross River State Government, and called on the university community to appreciate Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Deputy Governor Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, and the Governor’s wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for their contributions to education in the state.

She was received at Ogoja by Dean of Campus, Prof. Sylvanus Ushie, alongside Heads of Department, staff, and students.

At Okuku Campus on Friday, Prof. Bassey again commended staff and students, particularly appreciating their swift response in taking four colleagues to the hospital after a recent accident.
"When you leave your homes and come together in school, you become one family from different wombs," she told them, stressing the importance of camaraderie and lifelong school friendships.

She assured that Management was working to provide basic facilities for effective teaching and learning, and appealed to lecturers to balance love and discipline in dealing with students.
"While we love them, we should correct them when they misbehave, as children do. The rod of correction should always be there, but it should never destroy them," she added.

Dr. Peter Ujong, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, pledged that staff and students would continue to uphold diligence and integrity, while Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, Vice Chancellor (Administration), and Mr. Evogor Eso, Director of Physical Planning, joined the Vice Chancellor on both visits.