Otu’s Aide, Comr. Bright Ewona Pays Courtesy Visit to Pioneer Rector of College of Health Sciences, Assures of Strategic Partnership

Otu’s Aide, Comr. Bright Ewona Pays Courtesy Visit to Pioneer Rector of College of Health Sciences, Assures of Strategic Partnership

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Wealth Creation, Hon. Comr. Pst. Bright Ewona PhD, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Pioneer Rector of the College of Health Sciences, Management and Technology, Dr. Ita Ikpeme, commending the institution’s remarkable transformation and recent elevation to polytechnic status.

Comr. Ewona described the transition from a monotechnic to a polytechnic as a significant milestone in the institution’s history, noting that it reflects a broader vision to expand academic offerings, create employment opportunities, and strengthen technical education in the state

The Governor’s aide, who previously served as the Chairman of Academic Staff Union of the Polytechnic (ASUP) in Cross River State, said the visit was aimed at congratulating the new rector and his management team, as well as exploring avenues for collaboration to sustain and consolidate the institution’s new status.

He emphasized that the upgrade would enable the institution to access critical federal funding, including grants from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other needs-based intervention funds, which are vital for infrastructural development and academic advancement.

Dr. Ewona also lauded Governor Bassey Otu for his timely assent to the bill that facilitated the institution’s upgrade, describing the governor as a passionate advocate for education whose commitment continues to yield tangible results. He expressed optimism that the polytechnic would rapidly grow into a centre of excellence.

Speaking further, the comrade revealed that it had always been his aspiration to witness the transformation of the college into a polytechnic, stressing that such development would not only enhance educational capacity but also contribute meaningfully to wealth creation and human capital development in the state.

In his response, the new Rector, Dr. Ita Ikpeme, expressed appreciation for the visit and support, describing the visit as timely, strategic and a step towards progress and growth. He  lauded Governor Otu's commitment to strengthening educational institutions and fostering partnerships that will drive sustainable development across Cross River State and pledged to partner the Wealth Creation office for all college activities. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and leveraging its new status to attract more opportunities and partnerships.

Also present during the visit was the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Peter Ita Mora, who similarly thanked the delegation and pledged the management’s readiness to work collaboratively for the growth of the institution.

Dr. Ewona was accompanied on the visit by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperative Societies, Dr. Edem Ebong, and the Director of the Okpambe Fishing Festival/CEO of Coneri Nigeria, Eriacy Confidence Oba.