Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, Austin Angba, says he will expand on-going development in the institution and work at placing the institution among the best 10 Universities in Nigeria between now and when his five year tenure as head of the institution ends.
He was also particular that driving up the university’s ranking in Nigeria from 76th in 2020 to 42nd in 2023 as well as the recent Times Higher Education ranking of UNICROSS as the 32nd best University in sub Saharan Africa and 7th best University in Nigeria, was something to be proud of.
Angba, a Professor, who spoke at the commencement of activities celebrating his third anniversary as VC of Unicross, listed the completion and furnishing of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies building, resuscitation of UNICROSS printing press, construction and furnishing of the ultra modern library in Ogoja campus, remodelling of TETFUND building that was previously abandoned in Ogoja campus, provision of relevant equipment for science laboratories in Unicross, the successful full accreditation of most programmes in UNICROSS and approval of seventeen new programmes for commencement of academic activities, among others, as visible achievements that can be pointed at.
He came clear too that he is committed to ensuring that an office complex for professors will be constructed and completed, alongside the 1000 seating capacity auditorium that was initially abandoned while also expressing optimism that work at the Medical College in Okuku campus will commence next year, since the CRS government government is willing to fund it.
He used the occasion to thank former CRS governor, Ben Ayade, who appointed him and current governor, Bassey Otu, for showing commitment to the growth of Unicross. In the same vein, he expressed gratitude to the Governing Council, the university’s management team, senate, staff and students for their support.
Highpoint of the celebration was the VC’s award to deserving students, departments and faculties. The Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences was awarded the best overall faculty award while the Faculty of Communication Technology and the Faculty of Architecture came second and third respectively.
