Vice Chancellor Leads UNICROSS Monthly Prayer Session, Seeks Swift Resolution of Academic Staff Strike

 

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, on Friday, July 3, 2026, led the University's Monthly Prayer and Praise Session, offering heartfelt prayers for students, parents, staff and the continued progress of the institution.

The prayer gathering, held at the Conference Room of the Vice Chancellor's Office, focused on peace, progress and divine intervention. Central to the session was the Vice Chancellor's fervent prayer for the speedy resolution of the ongoing academic staff strike, as she reaffirmed the University's unwavering commitment to the welfare and future of its students.

The Guest Minister, Pastor Ayang Umoren of God Wonders Service, delivered a sermon titled "The Unscripted Life," drawing his text from Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

In his message, Pastor Umoren described the unscripted life as one guided not by human plans but by God's divine purpose. He observed that while human efforts are often limited by error and uncertainty, a life surrendered to God and directed by the Holy Spirit aligns with God's perfect will and attracts His blessings.

He encouraged members of the University community to trust God wholeheartedly, remain steadfast in faith and seek Him diligently, affirming that "whom God has blessed, no man can curse."

Speaking prophetically about the institution, Pastor Umoren declared that God is favouring and blessing UNICROSS under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey. He cited the University's visible developmental strides, including the recent installation of solar power infrastructure across campus buildings, as evidence of God's continued hand upon the institution.

According to him, "If God says that UNICROSS is blessed, believe Him." He further remarked that divine favour adds flavour to a person's life and destiny, and prayed for even greater favour upon the University.

A major highlight of the programme was the intercessory prayers led by the Vice Chancellor, who demonstrated deep compassion for students, parents and members of staff in light of the ongoing industrial action.

Praying earnestly for a quick resolution of the strike, Prof. Bassey acknowledged the emotional and psychological burden being experienced by students and their families, particularly students whose academic aspirations have been put on hold. She also expressed empathy for members of the academic staff, recognising their legitimate desire for improved working conditions, better remuneration and greater job security.

She prayed: "I understand the pains of our children. I understand the pains of parents. Children look forward to graduating with their colleagues and moving into a brighter future. But we also understand that one is not supposed to muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain. Labourers have a right to seek better working conditions, better pay and security for their careers so that they can remain motivated to render quality service while adequately providing for their families. God of heaven, let this matter be resolved in the name of Jesus Christ. We pray for our children as they wait at home; keep them from vices and every form of evil. For their sake and for the sake of our colleagues, let this matter be resolved quickly."

She further committed the entire University community into God's hands, praying for divine wisdom and guidance for all parties involved in efforts to resolve the ongoing academic staff strike. She expressed confidence that the negotiations would yield a peaceful, amicable and lasting resolution in the interest of the University and its stakeholders.

Her prayers reflected the University's commitment to balancing the legitimate welfare concerns of its staff with its enduring responsibility to safeguard the educational aspirations, safety and future of its students.

It would be recalled that three months earlier, the Vice Chancellor led a delegation comprising members of the University's Management and Governing Council on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

During the meeting, she drew the Governor's attention to the University's pressing challenges and critical needs and appealed for the State Government's intervention. 

In response, the Governor assured the delegation of his commitment to addressing the issues comprehensively and providing lasting solutions.

Speaking during the prayer meeting, the Vice Chancellor expressed her appreciation to the Governor for fulfilling that commitment by constituting a Technical Committee to Review the Working Environment in UNICROSS.

Prof. Bassey described the initiative as a clear demonstration of the Governor's unwavering commitment to addressing the concerns of the University community. She expressed confidence that the committee's recommendations would provide lasting solutions to the University's challenges and contribute significantly to creating a more conducive environment for teaching, learning, research, and administrative work.

The Vice Chancellor commended the Governor's goodwill and unwavering commitment to the advancement of UNICROSS and the education sector in Cross River State, describing him as a God-fearing leader whose genuine desire is to improve the lives of the people.

She noted that despite prevailing financial constraints, Governor Otu remains committed to transforming the state's educational system and expanding opportunities for its citizens. She prayed that God would continue to grant him wisdom, strength and divine grace as he leads the state.

Recognising the financial challenges confronting Cross River State, Prof. Bassey further prayed for the restoration of the state's oil wells by the Presidency to strengthen its revenue base, expressing confidence that increased resources would enable the Governor to realise his developmental vision for the state. She also prayed that God would guide the nation's leaders to make decisions that would enhance the state's economic capacity and accelerate sustainable development.

The prayer session was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong; the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Osai; the University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Iyishu; the Bursar, Mr. Wilson Aniyom; the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Hannah Etta; other principal officers and appointees of the Vice Chancellor; and staff of the Vice Chancellor's Office.

The Monthly Prayer and Praise Session continues to provide a platform for spiritual renewal, thanksgiving and collective intercession for the peace, progress and continued advancement of the University.

— UNICROSS Media Team