The Digest:
Dentistry students at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) are protesting an alleged move by the university management to "terminate" their admissions after some have spent seven years in the program. This admission turmoil stems from claims of unauthorized admissions and an expired departmental accreditation, though the university offers a different perspective.
Key Points:
- A trending video shows a student expressing dismay, claiming colleagues are being asked to leave after seven years, despite passing exams and dedicating years to their dream.
- Reports surfaced that the dentistry department's accreditation had expired, fueling student fears.
- Effiong Uyo, UNICAL spokesperson, stated that the issue arose from the university attempting to increase its admission quota without proper authorization from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
- UNICAL Vice-Chancellor, Florence Obi, clarified that the problem is not a loss of accreditation (which is valid until 2027) but rather excess admissions beyond the approved 10-student quota since the program's inception in 2013/2014.
- The university management has met with MDCN leadership, agreeing that some students will be transferred to other accredited institutions. Additionally, 31 graduates awaiting induction and 28 due for resit exams will await the re-verification process.
- The VC confirmed UNICAL has complied with MDCN's 2022 directive to halt further admissions, with current students now appropriately placed in lower levels. She reaffirmed her commitment to protecting students' futures.
