Vice chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Prof. Francisca Bassey, has taken over the treatment of Godsblessing Omachifu, a student of the school, who was knocked down by a vehicle near the Okuku Campus Gate in the Ogoja local government area of the state.
The school authorities extended the gesture to two of the victim’s colleagues affected by the road accident.
The VC made the promise yesterday in Calabar when she visited the injured student at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The accident, which occurred on Wednesday night, inflicted injuries on Godsblessing Omachifu (Agronomy), Adigor Philomina (Human Physiology) and Success Akomaye (Medical Biochemistry).
After being briefed about the incident by Dr. Ujong Peter, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Bassey rushed to the Catholic Maternity Hospital in Ogoja, where the students were receiving treatment.
He directed that they undergo immediate chest and head scans and be transferred to UCTH for specialised care, where the victims are currently undergoing treatment.
The university administrator also liaised with the chief medical director of UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme, and Dr. Innocent Abang, chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, to ensure the students received prompt attention.
The students were later transported to Calabar for further treatment.
In a remarkable display of compassion, Prof. Bassey pledged that the UNICROSS would cover the students’ medical expenses and offer support to rebuild a shop destroyed in the accident, which belonged to one of the victims. The accident reportedly occurred when a speeding driver, allegedly under the influence, rammed into the students around 8 p.m.
