UNICROSS: Otu pledges reform, staff welfare adjustment

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming and improving the welfare of University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) staff.

Otu made the promise yesterday during a meeting with the university’s leadership and stakeholders, assuring them of a befitting institution that meets international academic standards.

He stressed the need for unity and strategic collaboration to tackle the institution’s systemic challenges.

The governor charged the leadership of the institution to work hard to produce the best brains.

Addressing concerns raised by the university community, Governor Otu assured that key issues, including poor infrastructure and staff welfare, would receive immediate attention.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the university’s union leaders in sustaining academic activities despite financial constraints and pledged to initiate wage adjustments.

“The school is dear to us, and now that there are grounds for collaboration, we will begin work on our end to address infrastructure deficits. We want productivity and improved staff morale.

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“We understand the need for salary adjustments, and we will start the process as soon as possible. On security, we will work with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and development of the institution,” the governor assured.

Earlier in his speech, the University’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, commended

Governor Otu for salvaging UNICROSS from academic extinction through his interventions.

He assured that the university’s new leadership would leave no stone unturned in engaging with the government to improve the institution’s conditions.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, outlined some of the pressing challenges facing the institution, including the need for improved working conditions and urgent infrastructural upgrades.

She commended union leaders for their patience and highlighted the importance of a conducive academic environment.

Prof. Bassey also raised concerns about the accreditation of 16 programs, which had only undergone pre-verification, warning that delays could result in significant setbacks.

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Also speaking, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNICROSS Chapter, Patrick Ushie, outlined several demands, including the full implementation of the minimum wage, payment of outstanding promotion arrears, and improved working conditions.

He added, “The government should, as a matter of urgency, commit more resources towards improving facilities, security, and halting land encroachment.”

The University’s Alumni Association President, Dr Inyali Peter, also expressed gratitude to the governor for the engagement, describing it as a stepping stone toward stronger relations between the government and the institution.

He appealed for increased funding, the inclusion of UNICROSS engineering professionals in infrastructure development projects, and the resolution of challenges affecting the university’s ability to hold regular convocations.

He further urged the government to constitute a visitation panel to serve as an independent information resource for assessing the institution’s needs and challenges.