Gov Otu stresses importance of education for societal development
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State governor Senator Bassey Otu says that for a society to progress, a solid educational foundation must be entrenched.
Senator Otu said this explains why he facilitated the building of a befitting administrative block at the University of Cross River State.
The governor made the commitment when he recieved the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Austin Angba on a courtesy visit.
According to Otu, a society’s academic foundation must be securely established for it to advance.
He pledged to work to ensure the University becomes one of the leading institution in Nigeria and beyond besides addressing the challenges the institution presently faces.
“For any society to progress, the academic foundation must be solidly entrenched. That is why I facilitated the building of a befitting administrative block to provide the needed comfort for staff and lecturers.
“My administration will continue to work to ensure that UNICROSS becomes one of the leading tertiary institutions in this country and beyond.
“The challenges you face, I already know. We will review the monthly subvention in the light of current challenges and will continue to work together to resolve the issues”, the governor said.
In view of the current economic difficulties, Governor Otu indicated that he will review the monthly subvention to them to ensure some structural changes in the institution.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Austin Angba commended the state governor for facilitating the building of the administrative block of the university while serving as a senator, expressing confidence that he will do more as the Chief Executive of the state.
“Many years ago I drove to UNICROSS and beheld the administrative block you facilitated when you were at the National Assembly.
“It speaks of a man who loves education. We thank you for facilitating that project, because we know that as governor, you will do more for the institution”, he said.
The VC disclosed that in recent ranking of universities, the University of Cross River State emerged as 7th Best University in Nigeria and 37th in sub-Saharan Africa.
He added that his administration has stabilized the Institution’s calendar and sought for increased support from the state government.
