The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has begun efforts to resolve a growing crisis in its dentistry programme following widespread concerns over the fate of students allegedly affected by unauthorised admissions beyond approved quotas.
In a video that has circulated widely online, a student—dressed in a laboratory coat—lamented that some of his colleagues, after spending seven years studying dentistry at the institution, are now being asked to leave.
The student said the decision has thrown the lives of those affected into uncertainty. “Seven years ago, the University of Calabar admitted my colleagues… now they are telling them that may not happen,” he said, referring to the possibility of graduation.
The situation sparked speculation that the department had lost its accreditation. However, the university’s spokesperson, Effiong Uyo, clarified on Tuesday that the programme remains accredited and that the issue is rooted in the over-enrolment of students without approval from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Uyo explained that the university had admitted more than the MDCN-approved quota of 10 students per academic session. He said the management is working closely with the council to regularise the situation and increase the quota to accommodate more students.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi, in a separate statement, confirmed that the programme maintains its accreditation status. She said the department received pre-clinical accreditation in 2019 and full clinical accreditation in 2022, which remains valid until 2027.
Obi acknowledged that despite being warned by the MDCN in 2022 to suspend new admissions, the university had already exceeded its quota in previous years. She said the school has since complied with the directive and has enrolled no new students beyond the 400 to 600 levels.
The VC noted that university officials, including the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences and the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, recently met with the MDCN in Abuja. At that meeting, it was agreed that some students would be transferred to other accredited institutions. Meanwhile, 31 graduates awaiting induction and 28 students due for resit exams will remain at UNICAL until a re-verification exercise is completed.
Obi stressed that no student has been abandoned. “The dentistry programme at UNICAL has not lost its accreditation. No student has been abandoned, and those awaiting induction are not part of the transfer arrangements. We remain committed to protecting the future of our students,” she said.
The university has said it remains open to further collaboration with MDCN to secure an increase in its training capacity and ensure all affected students are properly accommodated.
