Student Leaders Honour UNICROSS Vice Chancellor for Visionary Leadership and Commitment to Student Empowerment

 

Student leaders from universities and tertiary institutions across Cross River State have honoured the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, with an award recognising her visionary leadership, motherly care, selfless service and commitment to the growth, unity and empowerment of students and Comrades across the State.

The honour was presented to the Vice Chancellor on Thursday, 27 August 2026, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of student leaders to her office at the Calabar Campus of the University.

Presenting the award on behalf of the student leaders, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Committee (NANS JCC), Cross River State, Comrade Victor Antigha Asuquo, described Prof. Bassey as both a leader and a mother to the student community in Cross River State.

Comrade Asuquo said the recognition was a sincere appreciation of the Vice Chancellor's leadership and contributions to the student and Comrade communities, stressing that it was not motivated by sycophancy or euphoria.

“You are not just the Vice Chancellor of University of Cross River State. You occupy the shoes of mother and leader of students and Comrades. The award we are giving is not a sycophantic award or to carry any element of euphoria. We saw the light and we came to receive the light,” he said.

He explained that the symbolism of light represented purity, transparency and progress, describing Prof. Bassey as “the light of Comrade community” and “the light of the student community.”

Comrade Asuquo further commended the Vice Chancellor for what he described as her non-discriminatory and detribalised approach to leadership, noting that she prioritises the welfare and interests of students irrespective of their tribal or religious backgrounds.

He disclosed that he had personally benefited from Prof. Bassey's benevolence several years before she became Vice Chancellor, adding that her commitment to supporting students and young people predated her assumption of office as the University's Vice Chancellor.

Comrade Asuquo added that Prof. Bassey's contributions to students have also been recognised for more than 15 years, noting that she began receiving awards of honour from students long before she became Vice Chancellor.

Responding, Prof. Bassey expressed appreciation to the student leaders and Comrades for the honour, describing the recognition as a gesture she deeply appreciates.

The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed her accessibility to students and encouraged them to sustain regular engagement with her and the University Management through their leaders and as individuals.

“I am accessible through your leaders, through all of you. We should be engaging from time to time. It should not just be a one-time affair. Let's put our acts together. Let's always talk. I am here for you under God," she said.

Prof. Bassey also disclosed her intention to recommend some of the student leaders and Comrades for opportunities to serve in positions where they could gain greater visibility, including at the Federal level.

The Vice Chancellor's remarks underscored her commitment to supporting the development of young people and creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to society.

The visit further provided an avenue for strengthening the relationship between the University Management and student leadership in Cross River State, while highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue, collaboration and responsible leadership in advancing students' interests.

The delegation included Comrade Ogar Favour Johobe, SUG President, UNICROSS; Comrade Ebong Vordina, SUG President, University of Calabar; Comrade Emmanuel Ekpo Otu, Assistant Secretary-General, NANS Zone B (South-South); Comrade Betebeke Joshua, NACRISS President, UNICROSS Chapter; Comrade Bassey Kininieval, SUG President, College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology, Calabar; Comrade Ushie Godwin, SUG President, College of Nursing Sciences, Calabar; Comrade Richard Eghort, SUG President, College of Nursing Sciences, Ogoja; Comrade Fortune Asuquo Effiong, Vice President, National Association of Nigerian Student Nurses, Cross River State; Comrade Godswill Ikpi, SUG Vice President, College of Nursing Sciences, Obudu; and Comrade John Ochui Abua, SUG Vice President, Federal College of Education, Obudu.

- UNICROSS Media Team