UNICROSS Strengthens Ethical Culture as ICPC Sensitization Programme Ends

📅 Posted on September 14, 2026

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The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Akwa Ibom State Office, Uyo, has concluded the second day of its sensitization programme on Ethics and Anti-Corruption Compliance, reinforcing the University’s commitment to accountability, professionalism, ethical conduct and effective administration.

The closing session, held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, was very well attended by teaching and senior non-teaching staff, Heads of Departments and other members of the University community. It followed the opening session held the previous day for members of Management, Professors and Directors, reflecting the University’s broad institutional interest in promoting ethical standards and responsible conduct.

The ICPC delegation was led by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr. Baba Alaro Shaiub, alongside other Resource Persons.

Declaring the session open, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, commended the ICPC team for the quality and relevance of the presentations delivered on the first day and urged participants on the first and second day to apply the lessons learnt to their respective responsibilities.

She challenged staff to take personal responsibility for building a better University, stressing the importance of continuous self-development, ethical conduct and collective commitment to addressing institutional challenges.

Prof. Bassey’s strong support for the programme underscores her administration’s determination to promote a culture of integrity, accountability and professionalism across the University. Her emphasis on personal responsibility and continuous improvement also reflects her broader commitment to strengthening service delivery and institutional effectiveness.

Commending the initiative, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr. Baba Alaro Shaiub, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for her commitment to the programme and described her as a leader who genuinely cared about the development of her people. He urged participants to take full advantage of the programme, noting that the practical knowledge provided could contribute significantly to their professional and personal development.

Building on this charge, the technical sessions focused on critical issues relating to academic practice, administration and institutional governance. Dr. Kioba Kio Anabraba, Head of the Legal Unit, ICPC Akwa Ibom State Office, in her presentation titled “Abuse of Power in Academia: Addressing Sexual Harassment, Extortion and Academic Victimisation,” examined various forms of abuse of authority, particularly sexual harassment and academic victimisation. She urged staff to maintain professional boundaries and support accessible and effective mechanisms for reporting misconduct.

The programme subsequently turned to the importance of effective information management and communication. Dr. Anam Ekpenyong Bassey, Deputy Director, Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA), and Director, Directorate of Linkages and Collaboration, University of Calabar, spoke on “Information Management, Communications and Record Administration.” He highlighted the need for accurate, timely and properly managed information in achieving institutional objectives and demonstrated how digital tools can improve communication, collaboration and records management.

Responding to a question on electronic transcripts after the presentation, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that Management was working towards making transcripts accessible to students online, further demonstrating her administration’s commitment to improving the University’s services through technology.

The final presentation, delivered by Barrister Emmanuel Ndiok former Deputy Registrar, University of Calabar (now retired), focused on “Administrative Discipline, Timeliness, Performance and Institutional Effectiveness.” He emphasised self-discipline, professionalism, proper record keeping, confidentiality, respectful communication and efficient management of official information as essential elements of effective university administration.

The presentations and interactive sessions provided participants with practical knowledge on preventing misconduct, improving administrative processes, strengthening information management and upholding professional standards.
Beyond the immediate learning experience, the programme is expected to deepen ethical awareness, strengthen accountability, improve service delivery and enhance administrative efficiency across the University.

The successful conclusion of the programme further demonstrates the Vice Chancellor’s commitment to building a transparent, disciplined and professionally driven institution where members of the University community are equipped to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.

The programme concluded with closing remarks by the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Ndifon, while Dr. Tabi Ntui, immediate past Head of Department of Industrial Chemistry, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the participants.