NEWS
Alumni Association Backs Bassey for UNICROSS VC, Urges Otu’s Support
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Alumni Association has strongly endorsed Prof. Francisca Bassey, the Acting Vice Chancellor, for confirmation as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.National Secretary of the Association, Hon.
Njang Ndoma in a statement said that during an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC), the association unanimously resolved to support Prof. Bassey, citing her exceptional performance over the past five months.He 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.While appealing to Governor Bassey Otu, the Visitor to the University, to back Prof. Bassey, the association noted that “for years, UNICROSS has sought a Vice Chancellor with the ability to engage effectively with the government. Prof. 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 hostel accommodation”.The association commended her achievements, including 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.The alumni also praised Prof. Bassey’s commitment to the institution’s graduates, noting that over 60% of her appointments have been UNICROSS alumni. “She is deliberately mentoring our graduates for higher responsibilities, demonstrating a deep commitment to our alma mater,” Ndoma said. “Her leadership reflects the emotional attachment we share with UNICROSS.”Opposing frequent changes in leadership, the association argued that Prof. Bassey’s 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 (National President) and Dr. Ofut Ogar (representing the congregation), 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”, the statement noted.The association also 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.
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and the leadership caucus of the the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid.They assured of working for the success of the re-election bid of the President, who is the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the country.
They made this known on Monday at the Osun State PDP Leadership Caucus meeting held at the Government House, Osogbo. Similarly, following extensive consultations, debates, surveys, opinion sampling from traditional rulers, community leaders, civil servants, retirees, religious leaders, market men and women, interactions with members of the PDP and the general public across major towns and villages in Osun State, on issues pertaining to recent political development in the state, the Leadership Caucus of Osun PDP hereby reviewed as follows: “That all politics is local, and as such, the feelings and aspirations of voters and party members are critical to decisions on party affiliations.”That the majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the APC, which did not originate from the Governor in the first instance. Some APC leaders based on entrenched interests have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.”That the majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to wherever he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.”That the state governor, the state government, and the PDP as a political party remain very popular and acceptable above all other political parties in Osun State.”Consequently, the leaders hereby resolve as follows:”That the PDP in Osun State recognizes the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State. “Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby, adopts, and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 Presidential election.”That PDP in Osun State re-affirm it’s adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 Governorship election on the platform of the PDP.”That Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP.”That the leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state and that, the state governor is enjoined to forge ahead with governance and implementation of the administration’s five point agenda.”
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi state government has promised to reposition its basic education system as part of its desire to enhance effective learning and providing solid foundation for Children’s education.The state’s Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones gave the assurance during the 2025 matriculation ceremony of new students at the Kogi State study Centre of the National Teachers Institute (NTI) in Lokoja.
The Commissioner also restated government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at providing quality education at all levels of learning. Jones emphasised the importance of teacher training, noting that the future of children lies in the hands of teachers.Represented by the ministry’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Omolayo Berikisu Onozare, Jones appealed to the matriculating students to remain committed to their academics.He highlighted Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s significant budgetary allocation to the education sector, stressing that the training of teachers cannot be compromised under any guise.The Director General and Chief Executive of NTI, Professor Sadiya Daura, said the institute’s programmes were designed to equip students with necessary skills for national growth and development.Represented by the Kogi State Coordinator of NTI, Alh Tijani Yusuf, Daura warned students against indiscipline, emphasising the institute’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.She urged them to strive for impact in their lifetime after training.On his part, the Director News and Publications, Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Samuel Atuluku, expressed concern about the “get rich quick syndrome” among young people.Atuluku appealed to parents to ensure proper discipline of their children and wards to change the narrative and secure a greater future for them.The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath to new students enrolled in NCE, Bachelor Degree, and Postgraduate Degree programs in Education.The event marked a significant milestone for the students, who are expected to benefit from the institute’s programs designed to equip them with necessary skills for national growth and development.
By Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Cross River State Government and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) through collaboration is training about 200 youths drawn across the 18 local government areas of the StateIn his remarks at the training workshop in ASUU building, University of Calabar, the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Science, technology and Innovation Dr.
Justin Beshel, emphasized that the training of these youths on VSAT technology will advance technological development and create employment for the 200 youthsHe stressed that Cross River is shifting from being the civil service State to a digitally incline State, taking advantage in the demands in the global Space of technology, stating that the 200 youths were drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state through online registrationAccording to Beshel, “These youths are meant to be trained on Very Small Aperture Terminal(VSAT) and also in space technology”. He stressed further that there is a high demand of labour in this sector and the state is trying to catch- in to create the man power that is needed internationally, maintaining that partnering with NIGCOMSAT, “the youths are brought to be empowered through innovation in satellite technologyIn her opening address, the Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton- Idehen who spoke in the event through the programme Coordinator, Maureen Neekwe said the program in cross river is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping young minds with cutting – edge knowledge in satellite technology and digital communicationShe emphasized that the program is designed to foster innovation, enhance technical skills, while creating opportunities for youths in the ever- evolving space – tech industryNeekwe maintained that participants in the workshop will gain practical experience in setting up and configuring VSAT systems.
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