By Kelvin Obambon
The Coalition of Concerned Academics (COCA) from various tertiary institutions in Cross River State has unanimously passed a vote of confidence and endorsed both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in office.
The endorsement, released in a formal communiqué, follows a critical assessment of the administrations’ performance over the past twenty-nine months.
The academics, drawn from institutions across the state, stated that their decision was “neither partisan nor sentimental, but anchored on empirical evidence, intellectual assessment, and a steadfast commitment to progressive governance.”
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Calabar Tuesday, Coordinator of COCA, Dr John Imoke, lauded Governor Otu’s administration for embodying the “Max Weberian ideal of rational-legal authority,” asserting that the “People-First Agenda” has “restored trust, strengthened institutions, and redefined leadership as service.”
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The academics highlighted significant achievements in the educational sector, including the comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization of public schools, enhanced teacher welfare, and the transformation of the College of Education Akamkpa into a University of Education and Entrepreneurship.
“Through these strides, Cross River is nurturing a generation empowered by knowledge and guided by excellence,” the communiqué stated.
At the federal level, COCA singled out key decisions by President Tinubu’s administration that directly benefit the tertiary education sector.
Specifically mentioned was the decision in December 2023 by the Federal Executive Council to exempt federal tertiary institutions from the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS), granting them much-needed autonomy.
“This historic decision untied the noose of bureaucratic bottlenecks for academics long hampered by administrative delays.” This reform, according to them, represents a breath of fresh air and a triumph of reason over rigidity.
COCA also praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a “beacon of hope” that ensures “no Nigerian child is denied higher education due to lack of means.”
They also recognized the “Otu-Tinubu partnership” for catalyzing massive infrastructural transformation in Cross River State. Notable projects cited include the rehabilitation of the Tinapa—Creek Town Road, the reconstruction of Parliamentary Extension and other roads in the Calabar metropolis, and extensive works across multiple local government areas.
Furthermore, the communiqué pointed to the Aviation Revival agenda under Governor Otu, which, in just six months, reportedly led to partnerships resulting in the acquisition of four aircrafts.
They also gave kudos to the recently unveiled Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP), calling it a “bold leap toward inclusive welfare governance” that is “compassion institutionalized—a policy with the people at its heart.”
Concluding their endorsement, COCA affirmed that the continuity of the current leadership is “indispensable” for consolidating the foundations of development already laid.
The Coalition ultimately declared their belief that the re-election of both leaders in 2027 is “not merely a political necessity but a moral imperative for continuity, stability, and sustainable development.”
