UNICROSS VC Commends Federal Government for TETFUND and Appeals for Additional Intervention

The Vice Chancellor of University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for consistently using the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to improve the standard of teaching and learning in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
She made the commendation on Monday when a high-powered delegation from TETFUND visited UNICROSS for an assessment tour of TETFUND projects in the university.

While welcoming the delegation to her office, the Vice Chancellor said: "The Federal Government spends so much money through TETFUND to ensure that students and staff have befitting environments for academic activities. This is highly commendable."
She recalled how Hon. Aboh Uduyok, representative of South-South Board Of Trustees (BOT) of TETFUND promptly led a team from TETFUND to assess the extent of damage in the New Auditorium of UNICROSS when she made a distress call to him, shortly after windstorm destroyed most parts of the auditorium.
She said: "From the first time I reached out to you when that disaster happened, you promised that you will come and see things for yourself. UNICROSS was not in your itinerary. But you kept to your words and came. You saw our situation and addressed the situation. On behalf of the Governing Council and the entire staff and students, I want to thank you and your team for your commitment to service."
It will be recalled that Hon. Uduyok led a delegation of TETFUND to assess the damage in the New Auditorium on Tuesday 20th May, 2025.

The Vice Chancellor seized the opportunity offered by TETFUND delegation's recent visit to appeal that apart from the tour of TETFUND projects, the team should also assess other projects in UNICROSS.
She said: "Our fence is a project. We need help, for security. Our campuses need to be completely fenced, to secure staff and students."

Earlier in his remarks, Hon. Aboh Uduyok, leader of the delegation, explained that the delegation was in UNICROSS to see how TETFUND'S funds are being spent and to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of TETFUND projects in the university.
He said: "Our visit is part of a decision taken by the Board that every board member should visit their zone so that when we are speaking, we will be speaking from an advantaged and well informed position concerning the challenges on ground and the progress made by the various institutions in the zone."
He thanked the Vice Chancellor for giving a warm reception to the delegation and congratulated her on her appointment as substantive Vice Chancellor.
He said: "The Vice Chancellor has been doing very well. No wonder the Governor found her fit for the job."

The delegation proceeded from the Vice Chancellor's office to inspect the fence behind the Works Department of UNICROSS before assessing TETFUND sponsored projects such as the building for Professors and the proposed ICT Experience Centre.
The Vice Chancellor also led the delegation to see the area around the pavilion and disclosed that there is enough land to upgrade that entire area to an ultra modern sporting arena.

Members of TETFUND delegation who accompanied Hon. Uduyok on the tour are Mr. Kalu Okoro, South-South Coordinator of TETFUND, Rabiu Mijinyama, Chief Quantity Surveyor, Engr. Ifeanyi Ogbona, Assistant Chief Engineer and Jauro Mustafa Salihu, a staff of the Public Relations department.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Stella Maris-Okey, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, the Registrar, Mr. Edim Effiom Ekanem, the Librarian, Dr. (Mrs) Victoria Iyishu and the Bursar, Dr. Ibom Ekpe Ibom, joined the Vice Chancellor in receiving the TETFUND delegation.
Mr. Evogor Eso, Director of Physical Planning and Engr. Alfred Iwara, Director of Works, also joined in receiving the delegation.

- UNICROSS Management Media Team