A delegation of youth leaders in Cross River State has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, commending her youth-friendly leadership and reaffirming their commitment to supporting the University’s peace, stability and development.
The delegation was led by the State Youth Leader, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, and comprised members of the State Executive Council, Local Government Coordinators and other youth representatives, including the Chairman of the Councillors Forum, Cross River State, Hon. Princess Magdalene Ekpe, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Elvis Enya.
Other members of the delegation were the Deputy Chairman, Comrade Ngban Basil; Vice Chairman, Central, Comrade Evalsam Ekpe; Vice Chairman, North, Comrade Wonah Patrick; State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Melchizedek Okwe; and other members of the State Executive Council and Local Government Coordinators.
The visit provided an opportunity for the youth leaders to appreciate Professor Bassey for what they described as her remarkable commitment to student welfare, youth development and the overall advancement of the University.
The delegation expressed strong support for the Vice Chancellor and her administration, assuring her that the youth would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the peace and stability of the University.
They pledged to work with the University Management to safeguard the institution’s peaceful environment and promote responsible youth participation.
In recognition of Professor Bassey’s commitment to the welfare and advancement of young people, the delegation presented her with an award as the Most Youth-Friendly Vice Chancellor. They also commended her achievements and described her leadership as responsive, inclusive and particularly sensitive to the aspirations and needs of the younger generation.
The youth leaders highlighted some of their initiatives, including voluntary environmental sanitation exercises, youth mobilisation programmes and activities marking National Youth Week. They stressed their determination to create positive opportunities for young people while encouraging responsible citizenship and meaningful participation in community development.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi recalled that Prof. Bassey had previously been his lecturer at the University of Calabar. He described her as a diligent and dedicated teacher who was deeply committed to the welfare, comfort and intellectual development of her students.
He disclosed that her exceptional teaching style enabled him to comprehend and score an A grade in the difficult Organic Chemistry course she handled.
Comrade Olayi noted that the qualities Prof. Bassey demonstrated as a lecturer—particularly her dedication, discipline and concern for the development of young people—have continued to manifest in her leadership as Vice Chancellor.
The delegation expressed appreciation for the Vice Chancellor’s support for their youth initiatives and pledged continued partnership with her administration, particularly in confronting the growing challenge of drug abuse among young people in Cross River State and within the University community.
Responding, Prof. Bassey expressed appreciation to the youth leaders for the visit, the award and the confidence they had reposed in her administration.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed her strong belief in the potential of young people, stressing that sustainable development could only be achieved when youths are adequately equipped with quality education, appropriate values, opportunities and the support required to realise their potential.
She assured the delegation of her continued commitment to initiatives that promote youth welfare, student development and responsible citizenship, particularly efforts aimed at addressing drug abuse and other social challenges confronting young people.
Prof. Bassey further underscored her leadership philosophy, “Build the youth, build the nation,” stressing that investing in the intellectual, moral and professional development of young people is an investment in the future of the University, Cross River State and Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor’s youth-centred approach and commitment to creating an enabling environment for students and young people have continued to attract commendation from stakeholders, further reinforcing her administration’s focus on inclusive leadership, student welfare and institutional development.
The visit ended on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaboration, youth empowerment, student welfare, drug-abuse prevention, and the preservation of peace and stability within the University community.
- UNICROSS Media Team
Comments
Post a Comment