By Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River State Government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged sale of assets belonging to the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
Several petitions from concerned stakeholders alleged that some high-ranking university officials, including members of the governing council, were involved in the unauthorized sale of university assets.
The petitioners claimed that assets such as land, generators, Student Union Government buses, and other valuables were sold without the knowledge or approval of the university’s governing council or the state government.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment at the university, Agbor Gilbert Ntui, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Recovery and Management, disclosed that the state government would examine all aspects of the alleged asset sales, including the identities of buyers and sellers, the prices paid, and the procedures followed in the transactions.
He condemned the alleged mismanagement and corruption involving some university officials, noting that members of the governing council had been accused of failing to provide effective oversight, leading to administrative lapses and illegal encroachment on university land.
“We are here for an on-the-spot assessment of issues raised with the Department of Asset Management and Recovery. The Governor has directed us to assess the situation firsthand and report back for immediate action,” Gilbert stated.
“From our findings so far, the claims in the petition are true. There is massive encroachment on UNICROSS landโembarrassingly so. We will take all lawful steps to recover these lands because, without them, the university cannot expand.
“We have also confirmed allegations against the previous governing council regarding the sale of critical government assets without due process. Vehicles and generators listed in the petition are nowhere to be found.
“We will dig deeper because His Excellency is keen on resolving these numerous issues plaguing the university. As an immediate measure, we are ordering that areas under encroachment be cordoned off. Access roads leading to construction sites on the encroached land will be blocked, which will naturally halt those projects. At the same time, we will follow due process to evict all illegal occupants.
“A joint memo will be submitted to the Governor recommending perimeter fencing and road networks in areas yet to be encroached upon. Anyone, no matter how highly placed, who illegally sold university land will be held accountable. You cannot sell what you do not own,” he asserted.
Speaking on the matter, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, assured that under her leadership, the university would collaborate fully with the state government to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
She emphasized that no staff member would be spared if found guilty.
“Two weeks after I assumed office, I visited Muri and his cabinet to discuss the environmental concerns and seek their cooperation in reclaiming our land.
“This institution was established many years ago when the population was much smaller. Today, we have significantly more students, and we need land to expand. This is a serious challenge.
“The law applies to everyone. If any staff members are found to have participated in this, it would be highly disappointing. If they have betrayed the trust of the institution and the government, then the government must take necessary action,” she stated.
Prof. Peter Oti, the Economic Adviser to the Governor, also lamented the economic impact of land encroachment, stating:
“This land grabbing has negatively affected both the economic environment of the state and the university. We must work together to address this issue.”
