Governor Bassey Edet Otu has approved the constitution of a seven-member Technical Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the working environment at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), in a move aimed at strengthening the institution and enhancing its capacity for academic excellence.
The development fulfills a commitment made by the Governor about two months ago during a meeting with a delegation of the University’s Governing Council and Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey.
The approval was announced in a statement dated June 16, 2026 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, who said the initiative forms part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to support the growth, stability and transformation of the state-owned university.
According to the statement, the committee has been tasked with undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the university’s working environment and recommending measures that will further enhance institutional effectiveness, staff welfare, academic productivity and governance.
The seven-member committee is chaired by Bishop (Prof.) Uduak U. Effiong, a distinguished academic and former Director of Academic Planning as well as former Dean of Students’ Affairs of the University. Dr. (Mrs.) Glory Tony Effiong will serve as Secretary.
Other members of the committee are Dr. Francis Ntamu, Dr. Inyali Peter, Prof. William Ofem Nkanu, Prof. Idy Eteng and Dr. Nicholas Agbor, all of whom bring a wealth of academic, administrative and professional experience to the assignment.
The SSG noted that the committee has been mandated to engage relevant university authorities, staff unions and other stakeholders with a view to identifying, clarifying and resolving outstanding labour-related issues affecting the institution.
The committee is also expected to review the relationship between the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) recently approved by the Federal Government and the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), and recommend a sustainable framework for their administration.
Other responsibilities include exploring alternative funding sources and revenue-generating mechanisms to support the university’s financial obligations without placing undue pressure on government resources.
The committee will further assess the institution’s staffing structure and recommend measures for achieving the National Universities Commission (NUC) prescribed academic-to-non-academic staff ratio of 3:1. It is also expected to develop strategies for strengthening academic staffing, particularly in newly accredited programmes and emerging technology-driven disciplines.
In addition, the committee will propose modalities for sustainable infrastructural development and maintenance to support teaching, learning, research and the overall growth of the institution.
Prof. Enoh stated that all engagements and recommendations of the committee must be guided by fairness, objectivity and the overall best interest of the university, in line with the Governor’s vision for a stronger and more competitive institution.
The committee has been given two weeks from the date of its inauguration to submit a comprehensive report and recommendations, which are expected to further improve staff welfare, academic productivity, institutional governance and operational effectiveness at UNICROSS.
By Kingsley Agim
