The Cross River State Government, through its Asset Management and Recovery Team, has committed to supporting UNICROSS management in addressing land encroachment and the unauthorised sale of assets on campus.
During a visit to the university on 26 March 2025, the delegation, led by Barrister Gilbert Agbor, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, emphasised that land encroachment, particularly at the Calabar campus, is a significant concern for the state governor. He warned that if land grabbers were allowed to invade the institution, it could hinder future expansion.
Agbor also noted that the state government had received complaints regarding the improper sale of certain university assets. He stated, “There are claims that the now-dissolved governing council sold key assets without following the necessary procedures or advertising. We have a list of these items, although this remains speculative.”
Additionally, he addressed the issue of the long-abandoned New Cafe hall, noting, “One topic discussed was the auditorium known as New Cafe, which has had contracts awarded since 1981. It is our duty to investigate this matter, and anyone involved, regardless of status, will be held accountable.”
Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Francisca Bassey welcomed the team and assured them of a conducive environment for their work. She shared that upon taking office, she had addressed the issue of land encroachment with the Muri Munene of the local government and had requested the state government to enhance security and consider perimeter fencing.
Engineer Jerome Egbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Utilities and a university staff member, thanked the Vice Chancellor for her support and expressed their commitment to resolving outstanding issues.
A key part of the visit involved inspecting various facilities on campus, including the Generator House, where they discovered one generator was missing, and noted the absence of the SUG bus. They also visited the New Staff Quarters, a site of frequent land encroachment, as well as the Auditorium, New Cafe Hall, and Pavilion.
During the tour, Mr Agbor instructed the security personnel to confiscate materials from those working on encroached land and proposed the establishment of a monitoring team to prevent any materials from being introduced to areas under construction.
He added that he and the Economic Adviser would prepare a memo to the governor, requesting increased security measures to prevent further encroachment.
Joseph Abasi-Abasi, Tribune Online NG
