Statement by Unicross Alumni President on the Occasion of Inauguration of the 6th Governing Council

Iloke Egbe 

The President of University of Cross River State Alumni Association Dr Inyali Peter bare his mind on the positive development associated with the University in recent time, specifically the Inauguration of the 6th Governing Council of the University. 

He stated that on Thursday, April 17, 2025, was a memorable day for our nascent Association and, indeed, the entire University for a number of reasons. That his inauguration into the 6th Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), may have made the headlines among  members, but there was more to it.

According to the President, the day marked a remarkable beginning of a new dawn in the institution in general and the end to the almost seven years of leadership tussle in the Alumni Association. Beyond this, the University has moved from not having a single member of its product in the Council a few years ago to having one in the last eight years and now four in the incumbent Council which are Dr. Victor Ndifon, Mr. Ukam Ilok, Dr. Eddy Hogans, even though they represent different interests, they have now joined the President to increase the number of products of the Institution in Council. This number will increase to five in the coming days when they conduct the convocation seat election. What this means is that for the first time in the history of the University, the Governing Council will have five (5) persons with permanent connections to the institution as old students playing critical roles in its policy framework. This does not only signify progress but it is a sign that the Institution has come of age and sooner, rather than later will begin to also produce Vice Chancellors and other Management Staff from among the Alumni of the Institution.

 Stating that as the President, Thursday was not the first time he was going to be introduced into the Governing Council. That he was first introduced into the Governing Council (5th Council ) on the 19th of February 2024 but shortly after that, some persons with vested interests that wanted to perpetually keep the Association divided to their benefits, frustrated all efforts for him  to function effectively in Council. But as God had destined, what they thought was aimed at destroying him turned out to be a reason for him and the Association’s elevation. Mr Peter said he was not just inaugurated in the small Council Chambers of the University but at the hallowed Chambers of the State Executive Council by none less a person but the Visitor and Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. Even at the point of the inauguration, some agents within and outside the University who are adverse to this progress tried to frustrate it, but God put them all to shame.

In his words "I don’t begrudge anybody because I see the situation the Association has gone through as the necessary path to cross to take it rightful place as the real owner of the University', adding that maybe without the journey, the many lessons we have learned wouldn’t have been possible. Again, like I did promised during the electioneering period in 2023, after this current administration, nobody within and outside the University would take the Alumni Association for granted again.

 While expressing words of appreciation, Mr Peter said to everybody who stood by truth throughout the stormy days, we say thank you. To our dear Governor and Visitor, we say thank you for believing in my ability to be part of the team to transform the institution. Stating that he have never forgotten the very short but inspiring congratulatory message he received from the Governor in 2023 upon winning the  election as President of the Association. Reflecting on message he received from the Governor, where he expressed excitement about his emergence because, in him, he had a partner who shares the same passion as him for the institution. While affirming that the Governor has demonstrated his love for the institution in many ways before and even now as the Visitor.

He extended his appreciation to the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, the Commissioner for Education, Distinguished Senator Stephen Odey, the House of representative member, Hon. Peter Akpanke, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel, the State Protocol Officer, Hon. Sylvester Abang, the Commissioner for Youths Development, Barr. Ukam Ijom, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youths Development, Comrade Daniel Obo, and all those who stood by him from the beginning of the struggle to the end, he Said thank you. According Mr Peter he said I don’t have anything to offer you other than ensuring I make you proud in the discharge of my duties.

And to his predecessor, Comrade Eyam Abeng, and his wonderful Alumni executive members, the Board of Trustees Chairman, Barr. Dr. Ukam Ngwu, and other members, and all his supporters, he also said thank you for believing in me. Now that we have been more empowered, while assuring that he is motivated and commitment to partner with relevant authorities to move the University forward in line with the People’s First Agenda of Governor Bassey Otu and we are stronger than ever.

 He said the entire Alumni and the University community, I appeal for understanding saying "my promise to you is that we may not always do what you will like, but we will always do what is right and best for the Association and University. For the things you’ll not like, I apologize ahead but know that our intention is far from trying to offend people; we know that in the process of trying to change the norm, a lot of people will be offended but trust us that whatever we stand for, both in the running of the Association and contributions in Council will be in the best interest of our alma mater".

Mr Peter further acknowledged that the Association have spent over a year wasting resources that should have been channeled into working for the University in court or security. However, the storm is now over, and  the Association is getting to work immediately. That like he assured during the elections, he resolved and remained good relationship to ensure that we mobilize resources to address the small yet important things that can make our University better. But we can not do this alone. Therefore, I appeal for the continued support of everybody he added. For some of our members who are still  pained of the progress made, he urge them to put the interest of the Association and University first by eschewing all bitterness and join hands to work together for our alma mater.