Prof. Francisca Bassey Promises Resolution After Staff Unions Shut Down UNICROSS

The Students’ Union of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has lamented the closure of the institution.

Following a serious meeting between the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Joint Action Congress, and the National Association of Academic Technicians (NAAT), the unions spontaneously decided to shut down the university over unpaid salaries.
Speaking anonymously, an official of the institution revealed that staff have been working without receiving salaries, and even when salaries are paid, they often arrive late, sometimes in the middle of a new month.

Meanwhile, the union’s action to close the university has raised concerns about the unfair treatment of staff. Students of the institution have expressed deep frustration over the incident, as it disrupts the academic calendar. The semester examinations, originally scheduled for next week, are now at risk, leaving students in a state of confusion and anxiety.

The union members emphasized that all they are demanding is their statutory rights, including timely payment of salaries.

In an effort to calm the situation, Prof. Francesca Bassey, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, has reassured staff that the management is taking steps to address the outstanding debts and working towards clearing all arrears.

Frequent strikes have long been associated with Nigerian tertiary institutions, causing concern among students and parents. Over the years, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has often gone on strike in negotiations with the government.

However, the shutdown of UNICROSS came as a surprise to students, who had been preparing for their semester examinations scheduled to commence on Monday. Students have voiced their concerns to the management, urging a resolution so they can continue their academic pursuits without further delays.