The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has tasked Heads of Departments (HODs) with raising academic standards, upholding discipline and driving the University’s transformation through hard work, accountability and commitment to excellence.
Prof. Bassey gave the charge, Thursday, during an interactive meeting with HODs at the Conference Room of her office, providing a platform for Management and academic leaders to deliberate on institutional responsibilities, challenges and strategies for improving academic administration and the overall development of the University.
Commending the HODs for their dedication, the Vice Chancellor urged them to remain focused on their responsibilities and work collectively towards building a stronger institution. Drawing inspiration from the Bible, she said, “There is nothing impossible to him that believeth. When you focus your eyes on what you want to achieve, you can achieve it despite the obstacles. If we have that mindset we can achieve the best for UNICROSS.”
She stressed that genuine dedication to duty and commitment to students and the development of Cross River State would attract recognition and opportunities for staff. “God rewards hard work. If you do well, you will be called for positions you did not lobby for. If you have the interest of these children and Cross River State at heart, God will call you to reward you. Just do your work. The blessings will come,” she said.
Prof. Bassey specifically urged the HODs to take ownership of the University’s transformation, declaring, “Let’s play our parts to build UNICROSS. Together we can change the narrative and we will change the narrative.”
She announced that the University would expand opportunities for staff training and exchange programmes, while encouraging staff members to pursue personal development and continuously improve their professional capacity. “We are going to have a lot of training. There will be more exchange programmes. Those that are working will benefit from the training and exchange programmes. But do personal training and improve on yourselves,” she said.
On infrastructure, the Vice Chancellor assured the HODs that bad roads within some parts of the University’s campuses would be addressed, stressing UNICROSS’s strategic responsibility for producing the manpower required by Cross River State and the nation. “We desire to have attention because we train the manpower of the state and nation. Go back and motivate your staff,” she added.
Prof. Bassey further directed the HODs to ensure the prompt submission and uploading of students’ results, warning that the salaries of lecturers and HODs responsible for delaying the process would be withheld. She also reminded them to enforce discipline within their departments and ensure that staff members shun unethical practices, including examination malpractice.
The Vice Chancellor emphasised the need for due process and adherence to the University’s organogram in addressing grievances and resolving institutional concerns. She assured the HODs of Management’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious working environment, stressing, “We are a family.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Stella Maris-Okey, reminded the HODs of their responsibilities and urged them to ensure the prompt uploading of students’ results as part of efforts to strengthen academic administration.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong; Registrar, Dr. (Mrs) Catherine Osai; Librarian, Dr. (Mrs) Victoria Iyishu; Bursar, Mr. Wilson Onoyom; Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Hannah Etta; and Director of Examination and Results, Dr. Anderson Etika.
By Kingsley Agim
