In a show of jubilation, the staff of the University of Cross River State (Unicross) celebrated the removal of their Vice Chancellor, Professor Augustine Angba. The workers, represented by three unions—the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions—expressed their gratitude towards the Governing Council of the University for suspending Professor Angba.
James Igrison, the spokesperson for the Joint Action Committee (JAC), the umbrella body for the university workers, commended Senator Bassey Otu, the governor of Cross River State, for supporting the decision to dismiss the Vice Chancellor. The workers had endured five months of unpaid salaries and allowances, and they expressed their appreciation for the governor for addressing their plight.
Several months ago, the workers had staged a demonstration against Professor Angba due to his failure to pay their salaries. Despite their protests, he remained unyielding. The workers were deeply affected by the financial strain, particularly since some earned less than one hundred thousand naira, and many faced eviction by landlords and harassment from money lenders.
During their protest, the workers barricaded the university gate for several days. However, upon the Vice Chancellor’s return from Europe, he did not address the workers, which further illustrated his apparent lack of concern for their well-being.
Following his suspension on Monday, Professor Angba was instructed by the Governing Council to hand over his duties to Professor Stephen Oshang, the Vice Chancellor Academics from the Faculty of Agriculture.
As of now, the State Government has not issued an official response to the Vice Chancellor’s suspension.
(VANGUARD)