The management of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and the Efut traditional institution have commenced efforts to find a lasting solution to the persistent encroachment on university land, following a high-level engagement that underscored the need for dialogue, security and sustainable development.
The meeting, held at the Efut Palace in Calabar, recently, brought together university officials, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to deliberate on the growing threat posed by illegal occupation of portions of the institution's property and its implications for the university's expansion plans.
Speaking during the engagement, the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South and Muri Munene of the Efuts, Prof. Itam Hogan, described dialogue and mutual understanding as the most effective path to resolving disputes involving the university and its host communities.
The monarch, who previously served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the former Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), commended the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, for maintaining a cordial relationship with the Efut traditional institution since assuming office.
"Shortly after her appointment, the Vice Chancellor visited the Palace to formally introduce herself. Since then, she has consistently demonstrated respect for the Efut traditional institution and its leadership," Hogan said.
The royal fathers present at the meeting responded with a standing ovation, applauding the Vice Chancellor's commitment to fostering a healthy relationship between the university and its host community.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Bassey thanked the traditional rulers and community leaders for providing a platform for constructive engagement, stressing that the university remained committed to peace and lawful resolution of all issues.
She maintained that the land in dispute was legally acquired by the Cross River State Government for the university and that documentary evidence presented at the meeting confirmed that compensation had been duly paid during the acquisition process.
"The property remains critical to the university's long-term development strategy. It has been designated for major infrastructure projects that will strengthen teaching, learning, research, innovation and the overall student experience," she stated.
The Vice Chancellor, however, expressed grave concern over the increasing encroachment on university property, warning that the situation was creating serious security and developmental challenges for the institution.
According to her, the university has recorded numerous security breaches linked to activities within the encroached areas, including theft of institutional assets, attempted attacks on students and the sale of illicit drugs around the campus environment.
"We can no longer ignore developments that threaten the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. The encroachment has created conditions that expose the university community to serious security risks," she said.
To underscore the severity of the challenge, Prof. Bassey presented video evidence of some of the incidents and disclosed that the university had suffered losses exceeding ₦300 million as a result of theft and vandalism.
She revealed that cables, sliding windows and other valuable equipment were stolen from facilities belonging to the Faculties of Engineering, Education and Physical Sciences, the University Staff School, the new auditorium and other sections of the Calabar campus.
The Vice Chancellor further disclosed that security personnel recently came under attack while attempting to stop an individual who had allegedly commenced construction on university land without authorization.
"Our personnel were performing their lawful duties when they were chased away by individuals from the encroaching community. Such incidents undermine efforts to protect university property and maintain peace within the institution," she said.
She noted that continued encroachment had delayed several critical projects and was limiting the university's capacity to effectively utilize land earmarked for future development.
Prof. Bassey also highlighted UNICROSS's growing international profile, announcing academic partnerships with Zhejiang College in China and Cyprus International University.
She explained that the collaborations would create opportunities for research, innovation, staff and student exchanges, and increased international visibility for the institution.
"While these partnerships present enormous opportunities, our ability to maximize their benefits depends largely on the availability of adequate space for expansion. Encroachment on university land threatens our capacity to accommodate future growth," she added.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the Cross River State Government had reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at recovering portions of the encroached property and protecting land legally acquired for educational purposes.
She also revealed that the university was actively pursuing funding opportunities for the construction of additional academic, administrative and research facilities to meet rising demand and improve service delivery.
Responding to the concerns raised, the Efut traditional leadership unanimously condemned the activities of individuals involved in the encroachment and associated criminal acts.
The royal fathers denounced theft, vandalism, attacks on security personnel and every form of lawlessness capable of threatening the safety of students and staff or hindering the growth and development of the university.
"UNICROSS remains a source of pride to the host community. We strongly condemn all acts capable of undermining its progress and assure the university management of our full cooperation in maintaining peace, law and order," the traditional rulers stated.
The Palace further acknowledged the institution's contributions to education, economic growth and social advancement within the community and pledged continued support for efforts aimed at protecting the university's assets and future.
By Kingsley Agim
