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… Education Commissioner engages host community to quell tensions
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has dismissed rumours of plans to relocate the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, Okuku Campus in Yala Local Government Area to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Stephen Odey, gave the assurance over the weekend while addressing traditional rulers, stakeholders, youths and women of Yala at Mary Knoll College, Okuku, Yala Local Government Area.
Odey said no proposal for the relocation has been presented to the State Executive Council since he assumed office.
“The rumour about the removal of Okuku Campus to Akamkpa is a joke taken too far. It is a lie from the pit of hell. Governor Otu loves Yala and will never do anything inconsistent with that love.
“There is no memo, no proposal, and no discussion on moving UNICROSS Okuku Campus. I will not sit and watch the campus taken anywhere without questioning it,”he stated.
Odey announced that new courses including Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science have been approved for the campus in preparation for the take-off of a Medical College.
He clarified that the University of Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa is a separate institution with its own Vice Chancellor, and one cannot be merged into the other.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the government has met with the university management, ASUU and the Student Union Government, and efforts are underway to call off the ongoing strike that has crippled academic activities at the institution.
Chairman of Yala LGA, Dr. Fred Okem, represented by his Vice, Hon. Goddy Odama, commended the Commissioner for addressing the people directly to allay fears caused by the misinformation.
Odey urged residents of Yala to disregard rumours spread by “enemies of progress” and verify information before acting on it.
