CALABAR — The Vice-Chancellor of University of Cross River State, Professor Francisca Bassey, has been inducted as the first female Fellow of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering in Cross River State NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The induction took place on Thursday at the university during a courtesy visit by the national and state leadership of NATE, marking a milestone in the state’s academic and professional community.
Speaking shortly after her decoration, Bassey described the honour as a collective achievement, attributing it to the efforts of the university’s management and governing council. She said the institution was strengthening its academic profile through international collaborations aimed at producing globally competitive graduates.
“This recognition is not just about me but about the institution. We are working to ensure that our graduates earn certificates that are recognised globally through partnerships and improved academic standards,” she said.
Chairman of the NATE Board of Fellows, Bassey A. Inyang, said the conferment was in recognition of Bassey’s contributions to institutional development and her support for technical education, particularly through collaboration with the university’s Artisan Training Programme.
He noted that the fellowship was not merely ceremonial but a reflection of dedication, resilience, and professional excellence.
Also speaking, the Cross River State Chairman of NATE, Murphy E. Akpu, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing technical capacity in the state. He disclosed plans to train over 2,000 artisans in partnership with the university, stressing the need for increased investment in technology and skills development.
“Technology is evolving rapidly, and we must keep pace. Our goal is to strengthen manpower development and equip young people with relevant skills,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor was formally decorated by Ekpeyong Ekpeyong, who represented the NATE National President. She was presented with a fellowship cap and assigned membership number F837, with effect from November 13, 2025.
Ekpenyong also announced plans by the association to institute an award for the best graduating engineering student of the university as part of efforts to encourage academic excellence.
The event drew members of the university management, NATE officials, and other stakeholders, highlighting growing collaboration between academia and professional bodies in advancing technical education in Cross River State.
