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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the appointment of Professor Francisca Bassey as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Cross River State.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, followed the recommendation by the University’s Governing Council after what the government sources described as ‘a rigorous, merit-based and transparent selection process’ involving some of the brightest academic minds within and outside the state.
A renowned scholar, researcher and administrator of repute, she emerged as the first woman to occupy the office since the institution’s transformation into a full-fledged university. Her selection, analysts say, signals a new chapter of academic rebirth and institutional stability, aligning with the Otu administration’s broader vision of repositioning educational institutions across the state.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, the approval of the governor, who is the Visitor to the university, underscores his administration’s unflinching commitment to meritocracy, inclusivity and the empowerment of capable Cross Riverians in strategic roles. “Her appointment reflects the Governor’s belief that leadership in higher education must be driven by competence, integrity and vision.”
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Governor Otu congratulated Professor Bassey on her well-deserved elevation and urged her to offer bold, transformative leadership that would not only consolidate existing gains but also reposition UNICROSS as a dynamic hub of academic excellence, research and innovation. “You are stepping into a role that demands courage, creativity and character,” the Governor said in a message conveyed to the new Vice Chancellor. “The future of our university system must be anchored on global standards and I have every confidence that you will lead with distinction.”
An alumnus of the University of Calabar with over three decades of teaching, research and academic administration, Professor Bassey has served in various capacities, including Head of Department, Dean, and Deputy Vice Chancellor. Her academic contributions span numerous peer-reviewed publications and policy engagements, especially in the field of social sciences.
Her appointment came at a critical moment for UNICROSS, as the university expands its academic programmes, pursues infrastructural growth and deepens its industry partnerships. Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the development, describing it as timely and inspirational.
As she prepares to assume office, Professor Bassey has pledged to work collaboratively with staff, students, alumni and government to elevate the university’s profile and reaffirm its role as a catalyst for human capital development in Cross River State and beyond.
The state government has assured the new Vice Chancellor of its unyielding support, noting that education remains a cornerstone of the “People First” governance agenda under Governor Otu’s leadership.
