UNICROSS Showcases Award-Winning Innovations to Cross River Governor, Secures Support for London Exhibition
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has recorded yet another milestone as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Bassey, led a high-powered delegation of Council members and Management staff to the Government House, Calabar, to present the institution’s latest national award-winning inventors and their groundbreaking innovations to the Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
The event, which took place at the Governor’s Office, was marked by excitement, pride, and optimism as two of UNICROSS’s finest innovators, Prof. Babson Ajibade and Engr. Dr. Joseph Ukpata, unveiled inventions that have not only gained national recognition but are also set to project Cross River State and Nigeria onto the global stage.
BMV-6 Medical Ventilator and Automatic Gari Fryer Take Centre Stage
During the presentation, Prof. Babson Ajibade introduced the BMV-6 Medical Ventilator, a cutting-edge device designed to address critical healthcare needs. A pitch video showcasing its features and functionalities was displayed before the Governor and his team, emphasising its uniqueness and the fact that it will soon represent Nigeria at an upcoming international innovation exhibition in London.
Similarly, Engr. Dr. Joseph Ukpata unveiled his Automatic Gari Fryer, a machine designed to revolutionise cassava processing by introducing efficiency, safety, and scalability into one of Nigeria’s most widely consumed staple food production processes.
Both inventions, according to UNICROSS, have the potential to make a lasting impact on healthcare delivery and agricultural productivity, two key sectors central to sustainable development.
Governor Otu Lauds UNICROSS, Pledges Support
Governor Bassey Otu, visibly impressed by the presentations, hailed the innovations as “remarkable breakthroughs” and commended UNICROSS for blazing the trail in research and development under Prof. Bassey’s leadership.
He pledged to sponsor the university’s participation in the London exhibition, noting that Cross River State must be fully represented at such a global platform.
“The BMV-6 and the Automatic Gari Fryer are testimonies that our university system is capable of producing innovations that meet real-life needs,” the Governor said.
Highlighting his administration’s interest in agricultural transformation, Governor Otu further expressed willingness to acquire units of the Automatic Gari Fryer for state-run agricultural projects, assuring that Cross River State would be given priority in procuring the products once mass production begins.
Quoting the popular Biblical saying, “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice,” the Governor said the innovations align with his government’s vision of fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance among the youth and academic community.
Vice Chancellor Expresses Gratitude
Prof. Francisca Bassey, speaking on behalf of the university community, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Otu for his encouragement and prompt commitment to supporting the innovators.
She noted that the achievements of Prof. Ajibade and Engr. Dr. Ukpata were clear indicators of UNICROSS’s rising profile in research, innovation, and academic excellence.
“Your Excellency, your immediate interest and support for these projects reflect your deep commitment to education and innovation. We are proud to say UNICROSS is contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Cross River State and Nigeria,” she said.
High-Level Delegation Accompanies VC
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied on the visit by a distinguished delegation, including:
- Prof. Mrs. Akon Joshua – Council Member and former Acting Vice Chancellor
- Mrs. Catherine Ajibike – Council Member
- Prof. Mrs. Stella-Maris Okey – Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)
- Mr. Idim Effiom Ekenem – Acting Registrar
The visit ended with a group photograph, capturing what many described as a historic moment of academic pride and government partnership in advancing education, innovation, and economic development in Cross River State.
UNICROSS Poised for Global Recognition
Stakeholders say the London exhibition will not only showcase the creativity emerging from UNICROSS but also position Cross River State as a hub for technological and agricultural innovation.
With Governor Otu’s backing, observers believe the participation of Prof. Ajibade and Engr. Dr. Ukpata in the international event could open doors to global partnerships, investments, and opportunities for commercialisation of the inventions, benefiting both the university and the state at large.
As UNICROSS continues to make strides in research and development, many agree that this synergy between academia and government is vital for transforming ideas into impactful realities.
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