By Abasi Ita
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has announced the resumption of bursary payments to students of the state in tertiary institutions, alongside the introduction of special grants for medical students, in a renewed drive to strengthen education and human capital development.
Otu made the announcement on Thursday during the State Executive Council meeting in Calabar, where he outlined his administration’s renewed policy focus on education, health and power as key sectors for accelerated development.
He said the intervention was aimed at ensuring that no indigent student from the state is forced to abandon their education due to financial constraints, noting that the bursary scheme had been inactive for over a decade.
“In line with our commitment to invest in the future of Cross River State, I am pleased to announce that my administration will resume the payment of bursaries to Cross River students in tertiary institutions in the coming months,” the governor said.
He added that medical students would benefit from special grants to ease the financial burden of their training, describing the initiative as part of a broader effort to revitalise education support systems in the state.
Otu also acknowledged shortcomings in some sectors of governance, saying his administration would intensify efforts to improve performance in critical areas.
He admitted that expectations had not been fully met in some sectors and pledged renewed attention to health, education and power among others.
The governor appreciated members of the State Executive Council for their contributions to governance and commended his deputy, Peter Odey, for what he described as stability and effective leadership during his absence.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to secure the recovery of Cross River’s oil assets, describing the process as a strategic and demanding national engagement requiring sustained consultations.
Otu said the efforts on oil asset recovery remained central to the state’s economic future, expressing optimism that Cross River would ultimately regain its oil bearing status advantage.
On governance performance, the governor directed commissioners and heads of ministries, departments and agencies to submit detailed reports of their achievements ahead of the administration’s third anniversary, expressing concern over low compliance.
He also announced plans for inspection and commissioning of completed projects across the 18 local government areas, alongside the launch of new projects in underserved communities.
As the administration approaches its third anniversary, Otu said it was necessary to present its stewardship to the people while outlining future plans for the state.
He further directed political appointees to intensify grassroots engagement as political activities increase nationwide.
On the controversy surrounding recruitment into the Unified Local Government Service, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for irregularities and announced the setting up of a panel of inquiry to investigate alleged breaches.
The panel, he said, would review recruitment processes, audit payrolls across local governments, and recommend disciplinary measures where necessary.
Reiterating his administration’s stance, Otu described the government as being on a “redemptive mission,” warning that anyone found culpable would face sanctions.
He also announced that the state government would cover the medical expenses of students injured in a recent accident involving students of the University of Cross River State and provide support to bereaved families.
“As a government that values the lives of our young people, we will take full responsibility for the hospital bills of all students affected by this accident,” he said.
Otu extended condolences to the university community and assured families of continued government support.
