Today marks the birthday of Professor Francisca Bassey, the dynamic and amiable Vice Chancellor of University of Cross River State (UNICROSS),
whose tenure has been defined by purposeful reforms, infrastructural renewal and people-centered leadership.
Appointed Acting Vice Chancellor in January 2025 by the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and confirmed as substantive Vice Chancellor on July 17, 2025, Professor Bassey has, within a relatively short period, repositioned UNICROSS for excellence.
One of the most impactful milestones under her leadership is the approval and implementation of the new minimum wage for staff of the institution by the Cross River State Government.
This development has significantly boosted morale and productivity across the university community.
In addition, her administration moved swiftly to address longstanding academic and administrative challenges.
For instance, the creation of a Directorate of Exams and Results has improved transparency and accelerated the release of results, while the introduction of Computer-Based Tests (CBT) for General Studies courses now ensures instant result processing for such courses.
This innovation aligns UNICROSS with global best practices.
Professor Bassey’s commitment to infrastructure and learning resources is equally notable.
Her tenure has witnessed the construction of an entrepreneurship workshop at Ogoja campus, construction of en-suite offices for Heads of Departments across Calabar, Ogoja and Okuku campuses, upgraded furniture in offices of several staff, and ongoing laboratory projects in key science departments.
Student welfare has also received attention, with the renovation of hostels and provision of campus-wide internet connectivity.
In advancing digital transformation, her administration has procured interactive boards for classrooms, Smart TVs for hybrid Senate and Management meetings and modern equipment for studios and laboratories. Furthermore, E-libraries have been developed across campuses, while previously vandalized electrical infrastructure has been restored.
Notably, the moribund Guest House at the Ogoja campus has been repurposed into functional office spaces, demonstrating prudent resource management.
A landmark achievement in physical development is the construction of a state-of-the-art gymnasium for the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education at the New Cafeteria complex.
The complex remained abandoned for decades and may have remained mostly moribund if Professor Bassey had not revived it and constructed a gymnasium within it.
The gymnasium was
commissioned in February 2026 by the State Government, represented by the Commissioner of Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey.
On security, Professor Bassey has demonstrated proactive leadership by fostering strong partnerships with security agencies to safeguard lives and property across all campuses. She led members of the University Management on a strategic visit to the Director of the Department of State Services, reinforcing institutional collaboration on intelligence and campus safety. Further strengthening this engagement, the university, in December 2025, partnered with the Nigerian Air Force to host a workshop titled “Introductory Perspectives on Aviation and Security.” The workshop marked an important first step in a broader, forward-looking collaboration between UNICROSS and the military on security awareness and capacity building.
Academically, the university has made significant strides. The National Universities Commission (NUC) conducted accreditation visits in late 2025 for 18 newly introduced programmes and some previously challenged older programmes, with promising outcomes anticipated. In addition, strategic collaborations have been strengthened, including a partnership with Zhejiang College, China, formalized in November 2025 to promote research and academic exchange.
A particularly remarkable achievement in the academic sphere is the revitalization of the university’s inaugural lecture culture. Under Professor Bassey’s tenure, four inaugural lectures have already been successfully held. This is unprecedented, considering that only seven inaugural lectures had been delivered in the university’s history since its establishment in 2002 prior to her appointment in 2025. This milestone reflects a renewed emphasis on scholarship, intellectual engagement, and the promotion of academic excellence within the institution.
Professor Bassey has also prioritized student engagement and support. Her visit to the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) shortly after her appointment, is facilitating smoother mobilization of UNICROSS graduates, while collaboration with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expanded financial access for students. Similarly, her administration hosted the university’s first one-on-one interactive forum with students in May 2025, reinforcing a culture of dialogue and inclusion.
The celebration of the institution’s maiden Staff Week from July 31st 2025 to August 3rd 2025 further underscores her appreciation for human capital, recognizing dedication and service across the workforce.
There is also a strong synergy between UNICROSS and the State Ministry of Education, as exemplified in constant courtesy visits by the Vice Chancellor and members of her Management team to the office of the Commissioner of Education.
This cordial relationship continues to yield tangible support, including the State Government's donation of operational resources such as a Hilux vehicle to the university.
As Professor Francisca Bassey celebrates her birthday today, her tenure stands as a testament to visionary leadership, strategic collaboration and unwavering commitment to institutional growth. The UNICROSS community joins well-wishers in celebrating her achievements, while offering prayers for continued peace, harmony and even greater accomplishments for her and the university in the years ahead.
UNICROSS Media
