Student leaders from universities and tertiary institutions across Cross River State have honoured the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, with an award recognising her visionary leadership, selfless service, motherly care and sustained commitment to student welfare and empowerment.
The award was presented to Prof. Bassey on Thursday, August 27, 2026, when a delegation of student leaders paid a courtesy visit to her office at the Calabar Campus of the University, in an engagement that highlighted the growing relationship between the University Management and student leadership across the state.
Presenting the award on behalf of the delegation, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Committee (NANS JCC), Cross River State, Comrade Victor Antigha Asuquo, described Prof. Bassey as both a leader and mother to students and Comrades across the state.
Asuquo stressed that the recognition was a sincere appreciation of the Vice-Chancellor’s contributions to students and was neither motivated by sycophancy nor transient excitement.
“You are not just the Vice Chancellor of University of Cross River State. You occupy the shoes of mother and leader of students and Comrades. The award we are giving is not a sycophantic award or to carry any element of euphoria. We saw the light and we came to receive the light,” he said.
He explained that the symbolism of light represented purity, transparency and progress, describing Prof. Bassey as “the light of Comrade community” and “the light of the student community.”
The student leader also commended the Vice-Chancellor’s non-discriminatory and detribalised approach to leadership, noting that she had consistently prioritised the welfare and interests of students regardless of their tribal or religious backgrounds.
Asuquo disclosed that his appreciation of Prof. Bassey’s support for young people was also based on personal experience, revealing that he had benefited from her benevolence several years before she became Vice-Chancellor. He added that students had recognised her contributions with awards for more than 15 years, long before she assumed the leadership of UNICROSS.
Responding, Prof. Bassey expressed appreciation to the student leaders for the honour and reaffirmed her commitment to remaining accessible to students while encouraging regular engagement between student representatives and the University Management.
“I am accessible through your leaders, through all of you. We should be engaging from time to time. It should not just be a one-time affair. Let’s put our acts together. Let’s always talk. I am here for you under God,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed plans to recommend some student leaders and Comrades for opportunities to serve in positions that could provide greater visibility and exposure, including at the Federal level, underscoring her commitment to creating platforms for young people to develop leadership experience.
She encouraged the students to see their leadership responsibilities as opportunities to build their capacity, contribute positively to society and prepare themselves for greater responsibilities beyond the university environment.
The engagement also provided an avenue for strengthening collaboration between UNICROSS Management and student leaders from institutions across the state, with emphasis on sustained dialogue, responsible leadership and constructive representation of students’ interests.
The delegation comprised Comrade Ogar Favour Johobe, SUG President, UNICROSS; Comrade Ebong Vordina, SUG President, University of Calabar; Comrade Emmanuel Ekpo Otu, Assistant Secretary-General, NANS Zone B (South-South); Comrade Betebeke Joshua, NACRISS President, UNICROSS Chapter; Comrade Bassey Kininieval, SUG President, College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology, Calabar; Comrade Ushie Godwin, SUG President, College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar.
Others were Comrade Richard Eghort, SUG President, College of Nursing Sciences, Ogoja; Comrade Fortune Asuquo Effiong, Vice President, National Association of Nigerian Student Nurses, Cross River State; Comrade Godswill Ikpi, SUG Vice President, College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu; and Comrade John Ochui Abua, SUG Vice President, Federal College of Education, Obudu.
By Kingsley Agim
