By Gabriella Ogbu
The University of Cross River State Alumni Association has taken a firm stance, urging Governor Bassey Otu to remove the governing council of the educational institution. In a statement released following the conclusion of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, and endorsed by the National Secretary, Njang Ndoma, the Association expressed its dissatisfaction with the current council’s performance.
The Alumni Association has empowered its legal team to swiftly take legal action to halt any further funding of activities by the governing council. It accused the council of inefficiency, alleging that their actions have strained the institution’s finances. Specifically, the council’s propensity for unnecessary meetings to secure sitting allowances for its members was highlighted, to the detriment of staff welfare.
Calling for a restructuring of the council with individuals well-versed in academic governance, the alumni emphasized the council’s lack of tangible contributions to the university over the past four years. They stressed the importance of adherence to the laws governing the university, asserting that all organs, including the governing council, must operate within the confines of these regulations.
Labeling the current council as incompetent and ineffective, the alumni urged Governor Otu, the University’s visitor, to dissolve the council immediately. They advocated for a new council comprising individuals capable of understanding the intricacies of the university system and possessing the capacity to attract funds, initiate projects, and formulate policies in line with the institution’s ‘People’s First Agenda.’
