In a bold move to strengthen the academic leadership of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Cross River State governor and Visitor to the university, Senator Bassey Otu, has approved the appointment of Professor Francisca Bassey as the substantive Vice Chancellor.
The appointment, effective immediately, follows the recommendation of the university’s Governing Council after what government sources describe as “a rigorous, merit-based, and transparent selection process” involving some of the brightest academic minds within and outside the state.
Professor Bassey, a renowned scholar, researcher, and administrator of repute, becomes the first woman to hold the office since the institution’s transformation into a full-fledged university. Her selection, analysts say, signals a new chapter of academic renewal and institutional stability, aligning with the Otu administration’s broader vision of repositioning educational institutions across the state.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, the Governor’s approval underscores his administration’s firm commitment to meritocracy, inclusivity, and empowering capable Cross Riverians in strategic roles. “Her appointment reflects the Governor’s belief that leadership in higher education must be driven by competence, integrity, and vision,” the statement noted.
Governor Otu congratulated Professor Bassey on her well-deserved elevation and urged her to provide bold, transformative leadership that will not only consolidate existing gains but also reposition UNICROSS as a dynamic hub of academic excellence, research, and innovation. “You are stepping into a role that demands courage, creativity, and character,” the governor said in a message conveyed to the new vice chancellor. “The future of our university system must be anchored on global standards, and I have every confidence that you will lead with distinction.”
An alumnus of the University of Calabar, Professor Bassey has over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration, having served in various roles, including Head of Department, Dean, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Her academic contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications and policy engagements, especially in the social sciences.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for UNICROSS, as the university expands its academic programmes, pursues infrastructural development, and strengthens its industry collaborations. Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the news, describing it as timely and inspiring.
As she prepares to take up her position, Professor Bassey has pledged to work collaboratively with staff, students, alumni, and government to enhance the university’s reputation and reaffirm its role as a catalyst for human capital development in Cross River State and beyond.
The state government has assured the new vice-chancellor of its unwavering support, emphasising that education remains a core element of the “People First” governance agenda under Governor Otu’s leadership.
