Security reinforcement efforts gathered momentum at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) as the Director of the Homeland Security and Safety Agency – South, Chief Michael Nsan, on Thursday, led a high-powered team to assess campus safety and initiate strategic collaboration.
Chief Nsan explained that the visit was part of the Agency’s mandate to assess vulnerabilities within government-owned facilities and recommend practical interventions to enhance safety.
“Our governor takes security very seriously. We are here to understand the university’s specific challenges and work with management to identify solutions that will strengthen its security architecture,” he said.
According to him, the Agency is exploring the deployment of modern security technologies, including the possible integration of UNICROSS into a centralised control room system to enable real-time monitoring and coordinated emergency response.
“We want to ensure that in the event of any emergency, the university and the state security architecture can work in sync to guarantee safety,” Chief Nsan added.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, described the visit as timely and reassuring, noting that the university is grappling with persistent security challenges such as vandalism, theft, flooding, and land encroachment across its campuses in Calabar, Okuku, and Ugoja.
“Your visit is very timely. We are facing serious security concerns, especially vandalisation and theft, largely because our campuses are unfenced and have become thoroughfares for surrounding communities,” Prof. Bassey said.
She explained that these challenges have led to the destruction and loss of vital academic infrastructure, including electrical installations, heavy-duty cables, windows, and doors—sometimes shortly after repairs and during accreditation exercises.
“It is painful that as we fix facilities, they are vandalised again. This cycle is unsustainable and poses risks to both our students and staff,” the Vice Chancellor lamented.
Prof. Bassey further highlighted structural gaps such as inadequate remuneration for outsourced security personnel, lack of patrol vehicles, and the absence of modern surveillance systems, stressing that these constraints undermine efforts to effectively secure a university operating across three campuses.
Also speaking, the Media Aide to the Agency, Mr. Michael Archibong, assured the university of sustained collaboration.
“We are ready to partner with UNICROSS to ensure the safety and security of the university community,” he stated.
On his part, the Chief Security Officer of UNICROSS, Mr. Iwara Ibiang, called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to deter criminal activities.
“Beyond routine checks, there must be arrests and prosecution of offenders. A comprehensive security database will also help deter criminal activities on campus,” he said.
The visit ended with a shared commitment by both parties to continuous engagement, facility assessment, and community collaboration aimed at creating a safer and more conducive learning environment at the University of Cross River State.
Kingsley Agim
