Senator Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State, has signed into law two landmark bills that establish the State University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa and the State College of Agriculture in Obubra.
The two laws, officially known as the Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship Law 2024 and the Cross River State College of Agriculture Law 2024, were signed on Wednesday at the State Executive Council meeting in Calabar’s Traditional Rulers’ Council chambers.
Governor Otu stated that the appointment of governing councils and principal officers for both institutions will be prioritised in the coming weeks.
He lauded the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly for their prompt review and passage of the bills, emphasising their unwavering cooperation with the executive branch.
The new State University of Education and Entrepreneurship replaces the former State College of Education in Akamkpa, while the College of Agriculture in Obubra transitions from a campus of the University of Cross River State in Calabar.
Mrs. Kate Ubi, Esq., Clerk of the State Legislature, and Senator Steven Odey, Commissioner of Education, jointly presented the bills to Governor Otu for assent.
In addition to signing the two laws, the State Executive Council approved five executive draft bills to be forwarded to the State House of Assembly.
These include the Cross River State Roads Fund Law of 2024, the Cross River State Rural Access Roads Authority Law of 2024, the Cross River State Lotteries and Gaming Agency Law of 2024, the Cross River State Water User Association Law of 2024, and the Cross River State Counterpart Fund Law Amendment of 2024.
These draft bills, which aim to improve infrastructure, governance, and public services, are expected to go through legislative review in the coming weeks.
Governor Otu expressed confidence that these legislative efforts would accelerate socioeconomic development throughout the state.