By Torkuma GborÂ
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, Prof. Francisca Bassey, has visited students of the institution receiving treatment in hospitals following the tragic road accident along the Odukpani axis of Cross River State that claimed four lives.
Prof. Bassey, accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Prof. Stella Maris Okey, visited the injured victims at different hospitals where they were admitted after the crash.
In what many described as a compassionate response, the Vice Chancellor reportedly paid the medical bills of the injured students, provided food for victims and their visitors, and ensured that critical medical tests, including CT scans, were conducted.
She also funded emergency surgeries for students in critical condition and has continued to visit the hospitals morning and evening to personally monitor their recovery.
The tragic accident involved students and officials of the institution who were returning from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after participating in an inter university football friendly involving the University of Cross River State and the University of Uyo.
Reports indicated that about 25 students, one staff member and the driver were involved in the crash when a truck reportedly veered off its lane and rammed into their vehicle along the Odukpani road.
Four persons lost their lives in the accident while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, including fractures and critical conditions.
The deceased were identified as Solomon Uya, Director of Sports of the Students’ Union Government; Lucky Erim, a Chemistry student and President of the Faculty of Physical Sciences Students’ Association; Favour Darlington of the Department of Educational Management; and Anthony Arikpo, a staff member of the institution who was driving the vehicle.
Sources within the institution disclosed that the Vice Chancellor also supported the bereaved families by providing caskets for two of the deceased and arranging transportation with security escorts for students attending the burial ceremonies.
In a statement, the university management described the incident as devastating and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
Prof. Bassey extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls, while wishing the injured students speedy recovery.
The university management assured that it would continue to support the affected students and ensure they receive adequate medical care.
Meanwhile, the Students’ Union Government and the Dean of Student Affairs of the University of Uyo paid a condolence visit to the institution in solidarity with the university community during the difficult period.
The tragic incident has thrown the university community into mourning, with students and staff grieving the sudden loss of their colleagues and friends.