By Cletus Asuquo
The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu of has signed into law two reform bills passed by the State House of Assembly the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Office of the Surveyor-General Bill, 2025 .
The signing ceremony, held at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Calabar, on Monday brought together top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, Esq.; and the Clerk of the House of Assembly.
Speaking shortly after assenting to the bills, Governor Otu commended the State House of Assembly for its proactive legislative partnership with the executive arm, describing the synergy as a model of good governance and accountability.
“It is because of the House,” Otu said. “The collaboration and co-working have been wonderful. Your proactiveness is second to none. I believe our relationship will continue to grow stronger by the day.”
The Governor noted that the new laws would play a pivotal role in strengthening education, land management, and institutional frameworks across the state, aligning with his People First development agenda aimed at building capacity, enhancing productivity, and improving livelihoods.
“Without education, we could not be here,” Otu added. “What we are doing is to put our state on a proper pedestal for progress. We are very focused, and we’ll continue to strengthen institutions that support growth and innovation.”
Presenting an executive summary of the bills, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Elvert Ayabem explained that the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra (Amendment) Bill, 2025 upgrades the existing College of Agriculture from a monotechnic to a polytechnic.
According to him, the amendment not only expands the institution’s academic scope to include science and technology but also qualifies it to benefit from the Federal Government’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
“The amendment allows the college to access infrastructural support through TETFund and broadens its mandate to drive innovation in agriculture, science, and technology education,” the Speaker said.
On the Office of the Surveyor-General Bill, 2025, the Speaker explained that the legislation provides a legal framework for the office, which had previously operated under the Ministry of Lands without statutory autonomy.
“This Bill establishes a solid legal foundation for the Office of the Surveyor-General, clearly defining its functions, powers, and administrative structure,” he stated. “It consists of four parts and twenty-three sections, covering establishment, staffing, financial provisions, and general guidelines.”
