Gov. Bassey Otu.
By Missang Oyama
In the annals of governance in any society, true leadership is often measured by the legacies left behind—monumental initiatives that outlive the tenure of the leader and continue to shape the destiny of a people. In this regard, His Excellency, Senator(Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, has etched his name in history with the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UE&E) in Akamkpa. This landmark institution is not just another higher learning center; it is a beacon of light, a strategic investment in human capital, and an audacious statement that Cross River State is determined to prioritize education as the bedrock of development.
By setting up the UE&E, Governor Otu has demonstrated his deep understanding that among the hierarchy of development indices in any modern society, education is the most critical factor. No nation, state, or community has ever achieved sustainable progress without making deliberate and strategic investments in education. It is, therefore, a commendable decision that the governor has chosen to focus on an area that will yield intergenerational benefits for the people of Cross River State and beyond.
What makes this institution even more remarkable is its dual specialization in Education and Entrepreneurship. These two pillars are at the heart of any thriving economy—education being the instrument for knowledge transfer and enlightenment, and entrepreneurship serving as the engine of innovation and wealth creation. In a country where youth unemployment remains a significant challenge and where many graduates struggle to secure employment after years of academic pursuit, the UE&E stands as a revolutionary solution to this long-standing problem.
The integration of entrepreneurship into the university’s curriculum is an affirmation of Governor Otu’s visionary leadership. It reflects an understanding that beyond theoretical knowledge, education must equip students with the practical skills necessary to create wealth, generate employment, and contribute meaningfully to national development. The graduates of UE&E will not only be well-trained educators but also business innovators, equipped with the necessary knowledge to either establish their own ventures or improve existing ones. This is a radical departure from the conventional university model that primarily churns out graduates without an accompanying roadmap to self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.
A look at global trends reveals that specialized institutions of learning have often played critical roles in the development of great nations. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) in the United States of America, the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom, and similar institutions across the world have been instrumental in shaping industries and economies through their focused approach to learning. The establishment of UE&E in Akamkpa, Cross River State is, therefore, an indication that the state is poised to be a leader in the education and entrepreneurship sectors within Nigeria and Africa at large.
Moreover, the decision to site the university in Akamkpa is a masterstroke in balanced regional development. It moves the axis of educational excellence beyond the capital city, ensuring that growth and opportunities are decentralized. Akamkpa, with its rich cultural heritage, huge deposit of solid minerals, and economic potential, is well-positioned to host such a transformational institution. The university will undoubtedly stimulate the local economy, create job opportunities, and attract investors and scholars from different parts of the country and beyond.
As we celebrate this groundbreaking initiative, it is imperative to emphasize that the success of UE&E will depend largely on the commitment of successive administrations to uphold and sustain this vision. There is an unfortunate history in Nigeria where laudable projects initiated by one government are abandoned or poorly implemented by another. Such regression must not be allowed to happen to this noble institution. We, therefore, urge the Cross River State Government, both present and future, to remain steadfast in maintaining and improving upon the foundation that has been laid.
In practical terms, this means ensuring that UE&E receives adequate funding, attracts world-class faculty, and maintains high academic standards. It requires policy consistency and an unflinching commitment to the ideals that informed the university’s establishment. If properly managed, UE&E has the potential to be one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions, setting new benchmarks for educational excellence and entrepreneurial development.
One crucial factor that can drive the growth of UE&E is the engagement of experienced consultants in the education sector by the state government. These experts should collaborate with the university’s leadership to urgently develop a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for the institution. This plan should cover the first 10 years, with periodic reviews to ensure the university remains aligned with its vision. The SAP should serve as a dynamic framework—a guiding document that shapes the institution’s management and keeps it focused on achieving its core objectives.
Again, stakeholders, including policymakers, traditional rulers, public spirited individuals, corporate organizations, and Cross Riverians in the diaspora, must rally around this initiative to ensure its success. Investments in research, infrastructural expansion, and partnerships with global institutions should be encouraged to keep UE&E on the path of excellence.
The establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa is more than just a policy decision; it is a statement of intent, a visionary move that secures the future of Cross River State and Nigeria at large. Governor Bassey Otu has set the stage for a brighter tomorrow, one where education is not merely a pathway to employment but a catalyst for economic transformation. It is now left for all well-meaning individuals and institutions to support this vision and ensure that it stands the test of time.
In years to come, when the story of Cross River’s development is told, the establishment of UE&E will be remembered as a defining moment. It will be seen as the point where a leader chose to build a legacy that transcends politics and personal ambition—a legacy rooted in the empowerment of future generations. For this, Governor Bassey Otu deserves commendation and the unshakeable support of all who believe in the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship. May this vision endure, and may UE&E, Akamkpa, Cross River State become a symbol of excellence for many generations to come.
Oyama is an Economist and a Public Affairs Commentator, writing from Abuja.
