By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the over-admission of students into the university’s Dentistry programme, clarifying that the issue has been grossly misrepresented on social media.
In a press briefing on Monday, 14th July 2025, Prof. Obi stated that contrary to circulating misinformation, the problem is not related to accreditation status, which remains intact until 2027.
She explained that the root cause of the issue predates her administration, stemming from the university’s failure to adhere to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s (MDCN) quota of 10 students per admission year since the inception of the programme in the 2013/2014 academic session.
“The Dentistry programme was granted pre-clinical accreditation in November 2019 and full clinical accreditation in December 2022. The next accreditation is due in 2027, so the current situation is not about loss of accreditation but about excess admissions carried out over the years,” she said.
Prof. Obi disclosed that following the post-accreditation meeting in December 2022, the MDCN advised the university to halt further admissions to enable the council to work out modalities for the graduation of existing students. She confirmed that the university has complied fully with this directive, with current students now in 400, 500 and 600 levels.
To find a resolution, she said the university management, led by herself along with the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences and the Dean of Dentistry, held a meeting with the MDCN leadership in Abuja. During that meeting, it was agreed that some students would be transferred to other accredited institutions while 31 graduates awaiting induction and 28 others due for resit examinations would have to wait until a re-verification of UNICAL’s facilities and academic staff is completed.
The university was advised to liaise with the receiving institutions to ensure a smooth transfer process.
“At no point were students told to seek transfers on their own or advised to go and learn a trade, as falsely reported online,” the Vice Chancellor clarified, adding “Instead, the university expressed its commitment to see all students graduate and become licensed dental surgeons.”
Prof. Obi outlined steps the institution is taking to meet the MDCN’s requirements, including the procurement of four additional dental chairs, bringing the total to 36, with 16 more expected through the Special Presidential Intervention on Medical Colleges. She also thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education for their support in facilitating this intervention.
She added that the university has received a waiver to recruit more academic staff, and is awaiting clearance from the Budget Office to begin the recruitment process.
“These efforts were communicated during an interactive session with students and parents on 10th July 2025,” Prof. Obi said, while assuring all stakeholders that the management is working diligently with MDCN and other universities to find a lasting solution.
“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.
Prof. Obi appealed to the Honourable Minister of Education to expedite the clearance process from the Budget Office and assist in the timely delivery of the remaining dental chairs, which are necessary for the council’s next visit.
She urged the public to disregard false narratives online and remain calm, assuring that all measures are being taken to protect the integrity of the programme and the welfare of the students.
