Edith CHUKU
Satisfied with her performance over the past five months, the University of Cross River State UNICROSS, Alumni Association has appealed to the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, to support Prof. Francisca Bassey to emerge as the substantive vice chancellor of the institution.
The association made this appeal to the governor in a statement on Monday, where they announced their unanimous endorsement of Bassey, who is UNICROSS acting vice chancellor for confirmation as the substantive VC.
National Secretary of the Association, Mr. Njang Ndoma, revealed that during an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council NEC, the association unanimously resolved to support Bassey, citing what he described as her exceptional performance over the past five months.
Ndoma said that the NEC considered her ability to secure government support for critical reforms in the institution and drive significant progress as key factors that have earned the trust and confidence of the alumni.
In their appeal to Otu, the visitor to the University, the association noted that “for years, UNICROSS has sought a Vice Chancellor with the ability to engage effectively with the government.
“Bassey has proven she possesses this unique ability. Beyond this, she is going out of way to attract investment to the institution.
“We are aware that she recently secured the commitment of some investors, backed by TETFUND to build new student hostels accommodation”.
The alumni association commended her achievements, which they said included persuading the state government to implement the new National Minimum Wage within two months of her appointment, improving staff welfare as well as securing government’s approval for reconstructing access roads within the university.
They also praised Bassey’s commitment to the institution’s graduates, noting that over 60% of her appointments have been UNICROSS alumni.
Ndoma noted that “she is deliberately mentoring our graduates for higher responsibilities, demonstrating a deep commitment to our alma mater.
“Her leadership reflects the emotional attachment we share with UNICROSS.”
Opposing frequent changes in leadership, the association argued that the acting VC remarkable achievements in a short time justify her confirmation as substantive Vice Chancellor.
They have directed their representatives on the university council, Dr. Inyali Peter and Dr. Ofut Ogar, to lobby other council members to support her candidacy.
“The reward for good work is more work. We urge the Governor to grant her the opportunity to continue her transformative leadership at UNICROSS.”
Further, They called on the governing council to ensure a transparent and fair process in selecting nominees for the Visitor’s consideration, in line with the university’s regulations.
