Cross River Govt Probes Alleged Mismanagement of UNICROSS Assets by Former Council

The Cross River State Government has launched an investigation into the alleged irregular sale of assets belonging to the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) by members of its former Governing Council. The inquiry follows multiple petitions accusing the council of disposing of university property without due process, in violation of the Public Procurement Act.

According to reports, between May and August 2024, nearly 400 items, including eight industrial generators and several vehicles, were allegedly auctioned off without public advertisement or competitive bidding. One of the assets sold was a 500KVA generator installed in 2015, along with a vehicle donated by the administration of former Governor Ben Ayade.

Concerns have been raised that many of these assets were acquired by members of the former Governing Council themselves, sparking allegations of conflict of interest and abuse of office.

In response to the controversy, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, has issued a directive on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu, demanding a full report on the transaction within seven working days. The report must include: A comprehensive list of all auctioned assets; Official approvals and Governing Council resolutions authorizing the sale

• Auctioning guidelines and public advertisements (if any); The list of buyers and entities who acquired the assets; and Proof of payment, receiving account details, total proceeds, and how the funds were managed.

Barr. Agbor stated, “The government is committed to transparency and accountability in public asset management. If these allegations are proven true, necessary steps will be taken to recover the assets and hold those responsible accountable.”

The alleged mismanagement has drawn widespread criticism from students, alumni, and concerned citizens, who have called for a thorough investigation and possible sanctions against those found guilty.

An alumnus of UNICROSS, who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as “a betrayal of public trust,” adding that “such actions undermine the institution and deprive future students of essential resources.”

With pressure mounting, all eyes are now on the former Governing Council members, who are expected to respond to the allegations. The Cross River State Government has assured the public that it will pursue justice and ensure that public assets are properly managed.

Comments

Engr. Jerome Egbe Visits NSCDC Command for Strategic Partnership on Public Utilities

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, today, October 8, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River Command, Mr. Brown Charles, in Calabar. The visit centered on establishing a strategic partnership to protect and secure public utilities across the state from vandals and criminal elements. During the meeting, Engr. Egbe emphasized the importance of safeguarding all critical public infrastructure and ensuring close collaboration between the Ministry of Public Utilities and the NSCDC in achieving the Governor’s vision for a sustainable and secure state. He also inspected the state of the Command’s facilities and sympathized with the personnel over the recent rainstorm that destroyed parts of the roofing, leaving the building flooded and disrupting operations. Engr. Egbe conveyed the administration’s sympathy and reiterated Governor Bassey O...

Engr. Egbe Commends Governor Otu for Flag-Off of Subsidized Mini Tractors Distribution

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Utilities, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, KSM, has commended the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator (Apostle) Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for flagging off the distribution of subsidized mini tractors to farmers’ cooperatives in the state. The event, which took place today, October 10, 2025, at the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, marks another significant step in the Governor’s agricultural transformation agenda. Engr. Egbe described the initiative as a strategic form of public utility empowerment that will serve as a catalyst for accelerating food production and achieving food sufficiency across the state. He noted that such interventions demonstrate the Otu-led administration’s commitment to empowering rural farmers, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring food security for all Cross Riverians. He further thanked the Governor for his admini...

UNICROSS Announces 2026/2027 Post-UTME Screening, Introduces 19 New Programmes

The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has officially announced the commencement of its First Choice Admission Screening Exercise for the 2026/2027 academic session . The university has also unveiled 19 newly approved undergraduate academic programmes across its campuses. According to an official notice signed by the University Registrar, Dr. (Mrs) Catherine Ndifon Osai, eligible candidates include UTME applicants who chose UNICROSS as their First Choice and scored 150 and above in the 2026 UTME. Candidates who did not initially choose the university as their first choice can also apply by changing their institution to UNICROSS via the JAMB portal . Newly Approved Programmes & Campus Locations Prospective students are advised to note the campus locations where their chosen courses are domiciled before registering: Calabar Campus 1. Faculty of Architecture Department of Architecture , Department of Interior Architecture Design, Department of Landscape Archi...

Detailing News

Search This Blog