More than 80 per cent of the University of Cross River State’s land in the affected area of Calabar metropolis has been encroached upon, a survey by the Cross River State Surveyor-General’s office has revealed.
The disclosure was made when the Surveyor-General of Cross River State and his technical team presented the outcome of a recent survey exercise to the Vice-Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassy, and members of the university’s management team.
The survey information presented to the management also indicated that the university’s original landholding extended considerably beyond the area currently occupied by the Calabar South Local Government Secretariat.
The development has raised concerns over the institution’s ability to expand its infrastructure as the university continues to require additional space for academic facilities, staff accommodation, administrative buildings and other critical infrastructure.
Speaking during the meeting, Bassy said the extent of the encroachment had placed serious limitations on the university’s physical development.
“We need land to expand. We need to build more infrastructure, provide better facilities, and create the environment required for the continued growth of this university. But when a large percentage of our land has been encroached upon, expansion becomes extremely difficult,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed to relevant authorities to urgently address the extent of encroachment on the university’s property and take steps to prevent further occupation of its remaining land.
She also called on the government to consider compensating the institution and providing alternative land to enable UNICROSS to meet its expansion needs within the Calabar metropolis.
Bassy said the university was facing serious space constraints, adding that the situation had become more critical following the impact of flooding on some existing staff quarters.
She urged those occupying portions of the university’s property to desist from further encroachment and called for the protection of the remaining portions of the institution’s land.
Meanwhile, the Surveyor-General confirmed that the boundary issue involving the university’s Ogoja Campus had been resolved.
According to him, the university’s land at the campus had been properly mapped, while a new survey plan had been prepared and presented to the institution.
Bassy formally received the new survey plan and signed for the document during the meeting.
The Surveyor-General also provided clarification on UNICROSS’s land position within Calabar, relying on historical records and survey information presented to the university management.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Surveyor-General and his technical team for the work carried out, particularly the resolution of the Ogoja boundary matter and the clarification of the university’s historical landholding.
She said the new survey documentation would strengthen the university’s land administration and provide a basis for protecting its assets and planning future development.
Bassy also acknowledged the intervention of Governor Bassey Otu, saying the prompt response from the state government demonstrated its interest in the development of the university.
She said the Surveyor-General’s swift action followed a directive from the governor and described the intervention as important to the protection of UNICROSS’s land assets.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university management’s commitment to protecting its remaining land and ensuring that the institution secures the space required for its continued academic and administrative expansion.
