The Cross River State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, has commenced an extensive investigation into the alleged illegal sale of about 400 assets belonging to the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) by the institution’s previous council.
Leading the government’s delegation, the Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor had earlier informed the Vice Chancellor of the Institution that they were in the school at the instance of the governor who had requested thorough investigation into several petitions against the former governing council members over sales of about 400 properties belonging to the institution with following due process. He added that there have also been petitions and complaints over encroachment into the school’s land by neighboring communities.
After taking an on-the-spot assessment of the schools, Barr. Agbor confirmed to journalists that preliminary findings indicate the allegations are valid. He disclosed that several vehicles and a 500 kV generator listed in the petitions could not be found, reinforcing concerns about the unauthorized disposal of government property.
To address land encroachment, Agbor stated that the government will take decisive steps, including blocking the main access road to unauthorized construction sites and evicting illegal occupants. He warned that anyone found complicit in the illegal sale or occupation of university land would be held accountable, regardless of their status.
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During the on-site assessment, Acting Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Professor Francisca Bassey, expressed deep concern over the encroachment challenges, noting that the university was originally designed for a much smaller student population. She emphasized that reclaiming the land is critical for expanding infrastructure to accommodate the growing student body and improve learning facilities.
Echoing the government’s commitment, the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Professor Peter Oti, underscored that land encroachment and abandoned projects negatively impact the state’s economy. He assured that the administration would restore order and ensure that public assets serve their intended purposes.
The move by Governor Otu’s administration signals a strong commitment to protecting state-owned properties, reclaiming encroached lands, and fostering an enabling environment for academic and economic development in Cross River State.
