Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has approved the appointment of Prof. Francisca Bassey as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River (UniCross).

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, on Thursday. According to the statement, the appointment takes immediate effect, following the recommendation of the university’s Governing Council.

Prof. Bassey had served as acting Vice Chancellor for the past six months after taking over from Prof. Augustine Angba.

Owan-Enoh stated that the governor’s approval reflects his administration’s continued commitment to placing capable and competent individuals in strategic leadership positions across the state.

He described the appointment as a testament to the governor’s belief that leadership in tertiary education should be anchored on competence, integrity, and vision.

While congratulating Prof. Bassey on her appointment, Owan-Enoh charged her to provide transformational leadership that would consolidate ongoing reforms and position UniCross as a centre of academic excellence, research, and innovation.

He assured the new Vice Chancellor of the state government’s full support in her new role, adding that education remains a central pillar of the Otu-led administration’s “People’s First” agenda.

“You are stepping into a role that demands courage, creativity, and character,” the SSG said. “The future of our university system must be anchored on global standards, and I have every confidence that you will lead with distinction.”