By Musa Kutama, Calabar
Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has signed into law, two pivotal bills passed by the State House of Assembly namely, the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra Amendment Bill 2025 and the Cross River State Office of the Surveyor-General Bill 2025, marking another milestone in his administration’s commitment to institutional reforms and sustainable development.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held at the conference room of the Government House, Calabar, Governor Otu lauded the State House of Assembly for its steadfast collaboration and proactive legislative engagement with the executive arm, describing the partnership as a model of effective governance.
“It is because of the House,” the Governor said. “The collaboration and co-working have been wonderful. Your proactiveness is second to none. I believe our relationship will continue to grow stronger by the day.”
He noted that the new laws would significantly strengthen education, land management and governance structures in the state, aligning with his administration’s People First agenda aimed at improving livelihoods through institutional efficiency and inclusiveness.
Governor Otu, while appending his signature to the bills, emphasized that education and institutional stability are central to his development blueprint for the state. He stressed that the new laws would help reposition key sectors for optimal performance and credibility.
“Without education, we could not be here,” the Governor remarked. “What we are doing is to put our state on a proper pedestal for progress. We are very focused, and we’ll continue to strengthen institutions that support growth and innovation.”
In his executive summary of the two bills, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Eyambem explained that the Cross River State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to amend the existing College of Agriculture Law to upgrade the institution from a monotechnic to polytechnic.
The amendment, according to the Speaker, adds “Science and Technology” to the College’s title and mandate, thereby broadening its academic scope and enabling it to access TETFund, a Federal Government intervention fund reserved for multi-sectoral higher institutions of learning.
“The amendment will allow the institution to benefit from infrastructural support through TETFund, while expanding its role in agricultural innovation, science and technology-driven education,” the Speaker stated.
On the Cross River State Office of the Surveyor-General Bill 2025, the Speaker highlighted that the legislation provides a long-overdue legal framework for the Office, which had previously operated as an appendage of the Ministry of Lands without statutory backing, despite its autonomy.
“This Bill establishes a solid legal foundation for the Office of the Surveyor-General, clearly defining its functions, powers and administrative structure,” he said, adding that “it contains four parts and 23 sections that cover establishment, staffing, financial provisions and general guidelines. When assented to, it will adequately empower the Office to function with autonomy, efficiency and legal protection.”
The signing ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the State Governent, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh; the Attorney-General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, Esq.; the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Barr. Catherine Ubi, among other government officials.
