 |
Ukorebi Esien | July 16, 2026
CALABAR – Hopes of an end to the industrial action by the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) were rekindled on Tuesday as Governor Bassey Otu met with the institution's management and students, pledging swift government intervention to address the issues at the heart of the crisis.
The meeting, held at the Governor's Office in Calabar, brought together the University's Governing Management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, and representatives of the Students' Union Government (SUG), who sought government support in resolving challenges confronting the institution.
Governor Otu assured the delegation that his administration remained committed to the growth and development of UNICROSS through improved infrastructure, enhanced welfare and sustained dialogue with all stakeholders.
"I am already aware of the challenges facing the university because the Vice-Chancellor had earlier briefed me," the governor said, adding that his administration was taking practical steps to address the concerns raised.
Among the commitments announced was the provision of additional vehicles for the university, following a request by the Vice-Chancellor. The governor also promised to equip the institution's Medical Centre to improve healthcare services for students and staff.
He further disclosed that government would consider the request to rehabilitate the university's internal road network as part of broader efforts to improve the learning environment.
Governor Otu commended the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for their commitment to sustaining academic standards despite prevailing challenges, urging staff, students and other stakeholders to make collective sacrifices towards advancing the institution.
Recognising the need for broader engagement, the governor announced plans to hold a separate meeting with the university's industrial unions in a move widely seen as a critical step towards resolving the lingering industrial dispute.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, expressed appreciation to the governor for granting the audience and for his continued support for the university. She said the visit was intended to give students an opportunity to engage directly with the governor on issues affecting the institution while seeking further government intervention.
The Students' Union Government President, Comrade Favour Ogar, also thanked the governor for what he described as his consistent support for UNICROSS. He particularly acknowledged the appointment of Prof. Bassey as Vice-Chancellor and the governor's prompt intervention following the recent road accident involving some students of the university.
The meeting later continued behind closed doors with senior government officials.
When members of the UNICROSS delegation emerged, they wore broad smiles, a development that fuelled optimism among observers that progress had been made towards resolving the issues that precipitated the ASUU strike.
Although no timeline was announced for the suspension of the industrial action, the governor's commitment to engage directly with the university unions, alongside assurances on infrastructure and institutional support, has raised fresh expectations that normal academic activities could soon resume.
For thousands of students whose academic calendar has been disrupted by the strike, the meeting offered what many hope will be the beginning of a lasting resolution to the crisis.
0 comments: