Subsidy: Alumni donates rice to varsity staff

The University of Cross River State (Unicross) Alumni Association on Tuesday in Calabar donated 50 bags of rice to workers in the institution.

The National President of the association, Dr Inyali Peter, said the donation was meant to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal and the present economic situation in the country.

Inyali who made the donation on behalf of the association, also appealed to the government to increase the monthly subvention to the institution.

The national president further appealed to Cross River citizens of note to reach out to staff of the institution during the yuletide period.

Inyali who recently emerged the President of the Unicross Alumni, said the association would continue to prioritise the welfare and interest of both the students and staff of the institution.

“During our campaigns, we said that even though the association is not a union, as we will give in our all to work to give back to our alma mater.

“We will not forget our members who are genuinely in need. This, to us, is also the essence of an alumni association.

“We are aware that you are owed some salaries, not because the management is unwilling to pay but because the finances are not just there.

“The subvention from the government can no longer carry the university because the institution is growing with new programmes and the staff strength is expanding.

“Even if salaries are paid, the hard economic condition would make it difficult for you to cater to the enormity of challenges facing you with your meager salaries.

“So, we decided to reach out with this little token. We intended to reach out to everybody but we’re constrained financially.”

The association commended Gov. Bassey Otu for the rehabilitation of both the internal and external roads within the institution.

“We believe that the governor is aware of the suffering of our staff and how management is struggling to pay salaries.

“Therefore, as an association, we want to appeal to him to urgently consider the upward review of the monthly subvention to the university,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of ex-students working in the university, Dr. Godswill John, Convener, ‘BLazers for Unicross’ commended the NEC for their magnanimity and assured that the rice will be sure fairly.

Dr Godswill John, commended the alumni for their magnanimity and assured that the rice will be shared fairly.

“This is the first time we are experiencing this. You know we are the front liners as staff of the institution. This president is just about six days in office and we are seeing action.

“This shows that more is yet to come. We thank him and his team and assure them we receive this wholeheartedly.”