The Cross River State Government and (UNICROSS) have agreed to deepen collaboration aimed at repositioning the state’s education sector for growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

The renewed commitment was sealed yesterday in Calabar when the UNICROSS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, led the institution’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Stephen Odey.

Receiving the delegation, Odey described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that it offered both parties the opportunity to brainstorm on the future of education in the state.

He lauded the initiative as “a step in the right direction,” saying it would enable the ministry and the university to jointly tackle key challenges in the sector and design lasting solutions.

The Commissioner commended Prof. Bassey for reaching out, calling the gesture “a clear demonstration of commitment to partnership and progress.”

He assured the university and other stakeholders that the ministry’s doors remain open to engagements that add value to education in Cross River State.

Odey further reaffirmed the government’s readiness to back initiatives that would “promote academic excellence and advance the education sector in Cross River State.”

Responding, Prof. Bassey thanked the Commissioner for the warm reception, stressing that UNICROSS was eager to forge a stronger working relationship with the ministry.

She emphasised the need for closer synergy between the university and government to “enhance standards and drive innovation in the education sector.”

The Vice Chancellor said the visit was part of broader efforts by the institution to align with government policy and contribute meaningfully to the development of tertiary education in the state.

Both leaders described the meeting as productive, noting it created room for frank exchange of ideas on pressing issues confronting tertiary education in Cross River State.

They pledged to sustain the collaboration, expressing optimism that the partnership would translate into tangible improvements in the quality and standard of education across the state.

The meeting ended with both sides agreeing to hold regular consultations to track progress on the agreed areas of cooperation.