…The inaugural event at the College of Health Technology saw students engage with state officials on governance and youth inclusion
CALABAR – The Cross River State government (CRSG) officially launched its statewide “People’s First Campus Town Hall” engagement series last week at the College of Health Technology, Calabar, marking a new effort to bridge the gap between the administration and the student populace NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The event, which drew a large crowd of students, is designed to serve as a direct channel for students across the state’s tertiary institutions to voice their concerns and developmental needs to the government.
Representing Governor Bassey Otu, the Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Comrade Kelvin Enyam, addressed the gathering. He framed the initiative as a core part of the administration’s “People’s First Agenda.”
“This engagement is about building a solid campus-government bridge,” Enyam stated. “We are ensuring that the aspirations and welfare of students are not just heard, but prioritized in policy implementation.”
Enyam, a former University of Calabar student union president, also urged all eligible students to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in the democratic process.
The initiative was met with positive reactions from the student body. While specific policy details were not outlined in the opening session, student leaders present praised the government for bringing the dialogue directly to the campus.
A representative from the student union government described the gesture as “unprecedented” in the state, acknowledging the value of having a direct line to the administration.
The show of support culminated in an endorsement from the attending students, who expressed their backing for Governor Otu’s re-election in 2027, citing the town hall as an example of his administration’s responsive approach.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Provost of the College, representing the Provost Dr. Ita Ikpeme, and the Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Mike Abang.
The Campus Town Hall series is scheduled to continue across various tertiary institutions in Cross River State, aiming to foster sustained dialogue and amplify student voices in governance.
