The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting academic Technologists in their role of facilitating practical training for students.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, the Vice Chancellor gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by officials of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), UNICROSS branch.
Prof. Ojikpong emphasized the critical importance of practical training in technology-related courses, noting that theory alone is insufficient for effective learning and skills development.
He said: “It is a misnomer for any Lecturer to focus solely on theory and neglect the practical aspects of a course. Even a First-Class degree in Computer Science is meaningless if the graduate lacks hands-on knowledge of a computer system. In today’s Nigeria, where skill acquisition is paramount, practicals must not be sidelined.”
He further stated that the university administration will instruct Heads of Departments to ensure that Lecturers do not encroach on the responsibilities of Technologists.
Prof. Ojikpong said: “This new management is committed to correcting past lapses. We aim to uphold academic integrity and raise standards at UNICROSS. All stakeholders must work together to achieve this vision.”
Earlier, the Chairman of NAAT, UNICROSS branch, Mr. Vincent Etta, expressed concerns over what he described as the persistent usurpation of technologists’ roles by some lecturers. He pointed to existing policy documents from UNICROSS, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) that clearly define the duties of Technologists, adding that these are often disregarded.
“Only a few departments and Lecturers respect the designated roles of technologists,” Etta noted. “We are not here to stir conflict. We are professionals who want to contribute meaningfully to the university’s mission. All we ask is to be allowed to carry out our duties.”
Mr. Vincent Etta was accompanied by Mr. Noble Ogodo (Senior Technologist), Mr. Ogar Jerry Ejen (Principal Technologist), Mr. Agba Jedy Ojang (Senior Technologist), Engr. Dr. Akisot Etetim (Senior Chief Technologist) and Mr. Erim Gabriel Irom (Principal Technologist).
The visit concluded on a positive note, with assurances from Prof. Ojikpong that the Management of UNICROSS will create a more conducive environment for Technologists.
Also present to receive the NAAT delegation were Prof. Stella Maris Okey Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academic), Mr. Edim Effiom Ekanem (Registrar), Dr. Victoria Iyishu (University Librarian), and Mr. Wilson Anoyom (Acting Bursar).
— UNICROSS Media Team
