UNICROSS VC Reaffirms Commitment to Staff Welfare, Industrial Harmony at NASU Meeting

📅 Posted on October 16, 2026

👁️ 20 views

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has reaffirmed her commitment to constructive engagement with staff unions and the promotion of industrial harmony, as she received the leadership of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), UNICROSS branch, during a courtesy visit held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Prof. Bassey assured the union of management’s willingness to review issues raised concerning staff welfare, retirement benefits, promotions and outstanding union dues, emphasising the importance of dialogue, cooperation and peaceful coexistence in sustaining a productive university environment.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the NASU leadership to present its concerns and seek management’s intervention on matters affecting its members, including the implementation of the 2026 agreement and the welfare of retired staff.

During the meeting, the NASU Chairperson, Comrade Atim Ama, presented a copy of the 2026 agreement for management’s consideration.
She drew attention to the welfare of retired staff members, particularly concerns over delays in the payment of pensions and other entitlements.

Comrade Ama appealed to the university management to engage the relevant authorities to ensure that affected retirees received their benefits, noting their years of dedicated service to the institution.
She also raised concerns about staff promotions and urged management to continue giving attention to employees’ career progression and general welfare.

On union administration, the NASU chairperson presented a letter from the union’s national leadership concerning membership figures and raised issues relating to inter-union membership competition. She called for appropriate attention to the matter in line with relevant agreements and established procedures.

In her response, Prof. Bassey stressed the importance of maintaining cordial relationships among unions within the university, cautioning against unnecessary rivalry that could disrupt the institution’s working environment. She encouraged the unions to embrace cooperation and constructive engagement in pursuing their respective interests.
To facilitate a proper review of the 2026 agreement, the Vice Chancellor requested a summarised document highlighting its key provisions and relevant details. This, she explained, would enable management to examine the issues more effectively and determine the appropriate steps to take.

Prof. Bassey also proposed a more coordinated approach to union administration within the university to strengthen communication and promote harmonious relations among the various staff unions.
Addressing concerns over delays in the payment of retirees’ benefits, Prof. Bassey
undertook to send a reminder to the Cross River State Accountant-General and Head of Service regarding the outstanding payments, reaffirming management’s commitment to seeking solutions to the concerns raised.
She assured the union that the university management would propose practical ways to resolve the delays and ensure that retired staff receive their entitlements in a timely manner.

On the concerns relating to staff promotions and welfare, she acknowledged the matters raised and indicated that they required further attention.
The engagement reflects the university management’s approach of providing a platform for staff unions to communicate their concerns directly and seek appropriate intervention. It also reinforces the importance of collaboration between management and organised labour in addressing workplace issues and sustaining a stable academic environment.

Under Prof. Bassey’s leadership, continued dialogue with staff unions remains an important avenue for identifying areas requiring attention, improving institutional relations and advancing the shared interests of staff, students and the university community.