UNICROSS Leadership, Unions, Alumni Meet Gov Otu
The leadership of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), joined by representatives of the four Labour Unions (ASUU, SSANU, NAAT, and SANU) and the Alumni Association, met with Governor Bassey Otu, Visitor to the University, on Monday, January 3rd, at his makeshift office in Dan Archibong Lodge, Calabar. The meeting aimed to address the pressing issues affecting the institution.
Speaking at the meeting, Ntufam Dr. Fidelis Ugbo, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for intervening in the multiple challenges facing the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). He informed the Visitor that, since their appointments, he and the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, have implemented various initiatives aimed at stabilizing the institution.
On her part , the VC, Prof. Bassey, expressed her gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve. She also brought to his attention the deplorable state of infrastructure at the institution, as well as the poor working conditions faced by both staff and students. She appealed to the Governor for urgent intervention to address these pressing issues.
Prof. Bassey further informed the Governor that a Needs Assessment Committee has been established to conduct a thorough evaluation of the university's challenges and that the committee's findings will enable the Management to present a comprehensive report to the Governor, detailing the institution's specific needs and requirements.
The VC while acknowledging the Governor's past support in securing the New Administrative Block for UNICROSS during his tenure as Senator, informed him that the university is preparing for the accreditation of sixteen programs and requires government assistance to prepare for the exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Chairman of ASUU, Dr. Patrick Ushie, highlighted the numerous challenges plaguing the University. He urged the Government to promptly implement the new minimum wage, consequential adjustment, and settle accrued arrears.
Ushie also demanded that the Government pay all outstanding promotion arrears to deserving staff and effect immediate payment of all third-party deductions, including check-off dues, cooperative deductions, welfare deductions, and National Housing Fund deductions. Additionally, the union leader requested that the government commit more resources to improving staff working conditions, enhance security measures, and halt the issue of land encroachment by external agents.
Also speaking, the President of the UNICROSS Alumni Association, Dr. Inyali Peter, made an impassioned appeal to the Governor to establish a Visitation Panel to the University. This panel would undertake regular visits to the institution, ensuring the government remains informed about the prevailing situations on campus to make informed decisions to address the university's challenges.
While commending the Governor for resolving the leadership crisis in the University by appointing a new Acting VC and Council Chairman, the President of the Alumni appealed to the Governor to support the University authority in increasing the frequency of convocations, saying that it would provide opportunities for donations and fees that could enhance funding in the University.
Responding, Governor Otu, applauded the new UNICROSS leadership for its frantic efforts so far and considered the issues raised by the Unions as moderate and far less than the challenges he personally knows. He noted that, he is waiting for the needs assessment report to holistically tackle the issues affecting the institution.
The Governor added that it was sheer injustice if the new minimum wage has not been implemented for UNICROSS staff, while demanding the staff nominal roll for immediate necessary action, including increased Government funding to the University.
On the issue of land encroachment, the Governor directed that a check be carried out to facilitate the ejection of the illegal occupants.
