Construction work at the University of Cross River State is under direct scrutiny from the institution's top leadership, as the Vice Chancellor conducted a personal inspection of active building projects across the Calabar Campus and issued firm directives to contractors falling short of expectations.
Prof. Francisca Bassey carried out the assessment on 3 March 2026, accompanied by the Director of Physical Planning, Mr. Evogor Eso, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Victor Ndifon, the Acting Head of Department for Software Engineering, Dr. Ofut Ogar, and other Senior University directors. The tour covered three project sites, each at a different stage of completion and each receiving a distinct response from the Vice Chancellor.
At the new Information and Communication Technology Block beside the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Bassey expressed satisfaction with both the pace of work and the standard of finishing, commending the contractor for keeping to approved specifications and project timelines. The facility is intended to expand the University's capacity in technology driven academic programmes and research once it is completed and equipped.
The Office Block received a sharper assessment. While acknowledging that some progress had been made, the Vice Chancellor raised concerns about the slow rate of work and the quality of certain finishing elements, directing the contractor to accelerate delivery and adhere strictly to contractual obligations without further delay.
At the reconstructed Computer Science Block, Prof. Bassey returned to a more approving tone, commending the structural extension design and the quality of materials deployed. She described the project as a sound investment in meeting the academic and research needs of staff and students.
Across all three sites, her position was unambiguous. The University administration would not compromise on quality, durability, or functionality in any capital project, and contractors who failed to meet approved standards would be required to correct course immediately.
For students and staff at UNICROSS, the inspection carries a direct implication. The facilities being built are intended to serve the academic community for decades, and the Vice Chancellor's decision to personally walk the sites and issue public directives suggests that the institution is serious about ensuring those facilities are built to last.
