By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
The Cross River State government has commenced steps towards reclaiming illegally acquired land belonging to the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, as well as carry out speedy investigations on alleged unauthorized asset sales.
Acting on the directive of the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, a high-powered delegation led by the Special Adviser on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the university site.
Briefing newsmen shortly after the inspection, Agbor described the level of land encroachment as “embarrassingly massive,” maintaining that, “government would take all necessary legal steps to reclaim the land.”
The Special Adviser said, “what we have seen here is deeply troubling. The encroachment is not only illegal but threatens the future expansion of UNICROSS.
“The government will do everything within the law to recover these lands and ensure that the university has the space needed to grow,” he affirmed.
According to him, the assessment also revealed significant financial irregularities, as allegations surfaced that the previous university council had sold critical government assets without due process.
The team also confirmed that several vehicles and a 5,500 kVA generator listed in a petition were missing, buttressing earlier reports of mismanagement.
Agbor revealed that, “all the vehicles mentioned in the petition are nowhere to be found, and the generator is missing. These findings confirm the allegations of asset misappropriation. We will investigate further, and anyone found guilt, no matter how highly placed will be held accountable.”
To prevent further illegal construction on the university’s land, the government has ordered an immediate blockade of the main access road leading to the affected areas, effectively halting all ongoing building projects.
Plans are also in place to evict illegal occupants through legal means and prevent future encroachments.
Agbor also informed that “we are recommending the immediate construction of a perimeter fence and road networks in vulnerable areas to deter further land grabbing.
“No one has the right to sell or occupy land they do not own. Those responsible will be identified and prosecuted,” he assured.
Reacting, UNICROSS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, expressed deep concern, noting that, issues of land encroachment had remained a top priority of her administration since assuming office.
She revealed that within her first two weeks in office, she met with the Muri Munene of Calabar South and his council, urging them to help halt further illegal sales and assist in reclaiming university land.
“This issue is a serious burden. When UNICROSS was established, it was designed for a much smaller student population.
“Today, our enrollment has grown to over 30,000 students, yet our land has been shrinking due to encroachment.
“Without expansion, we cannot build the necessary infrastructure to keep up with modern academic standards,” she lamented.
Regarding allegations that some university staff may have been complicit in the illegal sales, she expressed disappointment but insisted that the law must take its course.
Her words: “If any staff members are found to have betrayed the institution’s trust, they will face the consequences as the law does not exempt anyone.”
Speaking on the broader impact of the crisis, the Economic Adviser to the governor, Prof. Peter Oti, emphasized that land encroachment and abandoned government projects have serious economic consequences for the state.
“This is not just a university issue, it affects the economic development of the state.
“The abandonment of government projects and illegal sales of property weaken the economy and we must correct these irregularities to protect the state’s future,” he noted.
Oti reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring proper management and protection of public assets, adding that, those responsible for the illegal transactions would be held accountable.
