The Directorate of the Centre for Educational Services (CES), University of Calabar (UNICAL), on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, to appreciate her contributions to the Centre and her continued commitment to its growth and development.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation, led by the Director of CES, Prof. Ekei Ikpeme, to update the Vice Chancellor on developments at the Centre, including its progress, existing programmes and plans to introduce additional courses.
In her remarks, Prof. Ekei Ikpeme explained that the primary purpose of the visit was to appreciate Prof. Bassey for her contributions to the development of CES and her service to UNICAL. She noted that the Vice Chancellor had made significant contributions to the growth and stability of the Centre during her tenure.
Prof. Ikpeme, who previously served as a Coordinator under Prof. Bassey when she was the pioneer Director of the Directorate of Pre-Degree Studies at UNICAL, also used the opportunity to brief the Vice Chancellor on the progress of CES and its plans to expand its programmes.
She highlighted the Centre's short certificate programmes designed to provide students, staff and other interested persons with additional knowledge and practical skills. The programmes include Secretarial Studies and Office Management, Peace and Conflict Management, French and Special Studies, and Human Resources Management.
The Director further disclosed plans to introduce additional programmes, including Nursing and Geriatrics, with particular attention to the study and care of ageing and older persons. She also identified the need to improve student participation in the Centre's programmes and called for greater awareness and engagement to enable more students to benefit from the opportunities offered by CES.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor warmly received the delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit. She recalled her longstanding relationship with the Centre, explaining that she was redeployed as the first female Director of General Studies (GSS) at UNICAL after helping to stabilise the Directorate, and subsequently served as Director of CES before being called upon to head UNICROSS.
Prof. Bassey explained that following her departure from UNICAL and the formal handover, the staff of CES had prayed for her and sent her forth to UNICROSS. She noted, however, that a planned courtesy visit by the Centre had not taken place for a considerable period because of her demanding schedule.
She added that the staff had continued to put pressure on the former leadership to organise the visit, and the new Director, Prof. Ikpeme, who had previously served under her as a Coordinator, was similarly encouraged by the staff to lead the delegation.
The visit eventually provided an opportunity for the new Director to update her on the progress of the Centre and its additional programmes.
Prof. Bassey expressed satisfaction with the progress being made by CES and commended Prof. Ikpeme and her team for sustaining and expanding the vision of the Centre.
She encouraged students to take advantage of the programmes offered by CES, stressing that additional skills and competencies acquired alongside their regular academic studies could enhance their personal and professional development.
The Vice Chancellor also recalled that she served for four years as Deputy Dean of Science and the only elected Deputy Dean at UNICAL during that period, after which she handed over to Prof. Mary Essien Koofre, who was part of the visiting delegation.
As part of the visit, the CES delegation presented a gift to Prof. Bassey as a mark of appreciation for her leadership, service and contributions to the development of the Centre, while the Vice Chancellor also presented a token to the visiting team.
The visit reinforced the longstanding relationship between Prof. Bassey and the Centre for Educational Services and provided an opportunity to appreciate her contributions, reconnect with former colleagues and receive updates on the Centre's continued growth and development.
By Kingsley Agim
