SA Students Affairs CRS took a news step of partnership to for CRS Students

SPECIAL ASSISTANT STUDENTS’ AFFAIRS TO THE GOVERNOR PARTNERS WITH CRID TO TACKLE STUDENT CHALLENGES IN CROSS RIVER STATE

As part of his continuous effort to ensure that Cross River State students have access to quality education and global opportunities, in line with the People’s First Mandate of His Excellency Senator(Prince) Bassey Otu for the growth of education in the State, the Special Assistant Students Affairs to the Governor, Comrade Kelvin Enyam has left the wishing stage and has taken a step towards actualizing this desire by successfully sealing a collaboration deal with Cross Riverians In the Diaspora (CRID).

The deal was sealed during a courtesy call via Zoom with members of CRID and the CRID Education Committee with a focus on setting a template for Educational development programmes, skills acquisition for Secondary school Students and provision of other support to students.

In his opening remarks, the President of CRID, Amb Christopher Lekam expressed his delight on behalf of the organisation to the Special Assistant for answering the call of service to the people and for choosing to collaborate with the organisation. He further explained that CRID has a committee on Education that has distinguished academics excelling in the diaspora, adding that the meeting will set a path on how those in the diaspora, especially the education committee, can contribute to the development of education in Cross River State.

Also speaking, the chairman of the CRID Education Committee, Professor Obassesam Okoi, noted that the collaboration initiative from the Special Assistant came right on time as it aligns with what they wish to achieve as an organisation and a committee.

On his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor highlighted that his main aim for seeking the partnership is to see more Cross River State Students in the diaspora studying different professional programs via interventions like scholarships, grants, fellowships and other educational opportunities that will impact the students positively, Create channels for mentorship Opportunities and open them up to the Global space while contributing positively to the development of Cross River State.

Speaking about the plans laid down already to actualize these, the Special Assistant revealed his plans to host the Cross River State Students Summit proposed to be held in commemoration of International Students Day on November 17, 2024. We are also planning to Host the Cross River State Leaders Conference where all presidents of the department, Faculty President,  Kparakpor Chapter and Worldwide President,  Senatorial District heads and Students Union Presidents will be in attendance for a one-day training. While noting the effects of investing in education, Comrade Enyam said the event was borne out of the desire to tackle the challenges facing the student community ranging from the inability to cater for their tuition due to the constant increment in tuition fees, which has impacted the mental health of this students which has lead to lots of others social vices engagement and even suicide.

Speaking further, the Special Assistant said the event will be divided into streams for both secondary schools and undergraduates/graduates and will feature career development lectures, mentorship discussions, mental health awareness, a series of scholarship opportunities, skill acquisition development and more.

After much deliberations, the members of CRID unanimously applauded the initiative and agreed to support the vision of the Special Assistant in all ramifications while pledging their availability at the events.

Those in attendance were;
Dr Ignatius Oli, Secretary of CRID
Professor Valentine Ntui, Liaison Officer, CRID Africa.
Professor Obasessam Okoi, Chairman, CRID Education Committee.
Professor Wilfred Emori, Secretary, CRID Education Committee.
Dr Julius Adie. Dr John Aboshim
Mr Idagu. Dr Emmanuel Bisong
Mr Etta Emmanuel, media practitioner in Calabar. Mr Effio-Ita Nyok, Journalist and Students Affairs Team Member.

Meanwhile, Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID) organisation works globally to unite Cross Riverians, promote mutual understanding, harness expertise and support programs that accelerate socio-political, economic and cultural change in Cross River State.

*SA Students Affairs Media*