First private varsity in Cross River matriculates pioneer students

Arthur Jarvis University, on Saturday, was inaugurated with the matriculation of 100 students.

The first private university in Cross River has two faculties; basic and applied sciences and social management sciences.

The institution is located at Akpabuyo local government area of the state.

Winifred Oyo-Ita, head of civil service of the federation, declared open the university.

“As I officially declare open the commencement of this university today, I wish to commend the proprietor for nursing the idea to invest in education,” Oyo-Ita said.

Oyo-Ita commended Arthur-Jarvis Archibong, the proprietor, for establishing the institution.

She also expressed the hope that it would boost socio-economic and educational activities in the area and the state.

During the matriculation, Julian Osuji, the institution’s vice-chancellor, spoke about the vision and mission of the school.

“The vision of the University was to groom students to be ambassadors of the University and the country, promising to inculcate moral discipline and academic excellence in the students,” Osuji said.

Bassey Asuquo, the chairman, board of trustees of the university, also gave an insight on how the university started.

“The University took off with 10 departments in two faculties and 15 programmes.”

Asuquo gassured that the management would work persistently to ensure that the institution complemented the efforts of the state government to improve the status of the state concerning its educational development.

Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu, the obong of Calabar, called on reputable people to emulate the proprietor of the university by investing in the state.

Paul Okon, one of the pioneer students, expressed satisfaction with the standard facilities and infrastructure provided at the university, saying it will create a conducive environment for both students and staff.