The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has engaged staff and students of the Okuku Campus in separate interactive sessions aimed at addressing welfare concerns, strengthening professionalism and improving the academic environment.
The engagements provided an opportunity for the Vice Chancellor to listen directly to concerns from the campus community while reinforcing Management’s commitment to effective communication, accountability and the overall development of the University.
During the session with students, Prof. Bassey described direct engagement as essential to understanding their specific needs and ensuring that their concerns are appropriately considered in Management’s decisions and interventions.
Drawing an analogy between university administration and parenting, she explained that, like parents who make sacrifices and put structures in place for the wellbeing of their children, university administrators sometimes undertake initiatives whose benefits may not be immediately recognised by those they are intended to serve.
Representatives of the Student Union Government (SUG) presented concerns relating to the academic experience, welfare and facilities on the Okuku Campus. Responding, the Vice Chancellor said several of the issues raised had already been identified by Management, with steps taken to address some of them.
She assured the students that Management would continue to deploy available resources towards improving their learning environment and providing facilities and services that support effective teaching, learning and student welfare. She also urged them to appreciate ongoing interventions while communicating areas requiring further attention constructively.
At the engagement with staff, the Vice Chancellor emphasised that students must remain at the centre of all university activities, describing them as future leaders whose academic development and welfare must be protected.
Prof. Bassey declared that the University would maintain zero tolerance for examination malpractice, result manipulation, corruption and other practices capable of compromising its academic integrity. She warned that staff members found tampering with students’ academic records or compromising academic standards would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with University regulations.
She also reaffirmed Management’s commitment to improving the working environment and providing the necessary support for staff to discharge their responsibilities effectively. She urged them to uphold professionalism, unity and teamwork while aligning their activities with the vision and mission of the University.
Responding, members of staff commended the Vice Chancellor for what they described as equitable leadership across UNICROSS campuses in Calabar, Ogoja and Okuku. They particularly appreciated the administration’s commitment to fairness in the distribution of resources and opportunities without discrimination or preferential treatment.
The staff also highlighted the impact of professional development and training opportunities provided by the administration, including opportunities within and outside Nigeria, which they said had been made accessible to qualified and eligible staff across the campuses and had contributed to capacity building and professional growth.
By Kingsley Agim
