University of Calabar Student Union Government, President Comr. Obo Emmanuel Makes 5 Strategic Demands to Save Dentistry Students Amid Crisis
The current crisis affecting the Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery is both disheartening and deeply concerning. It is a situation that has left many students in a state of uncertainty, anxiety, and confusion about their future.
ALSO READ: Prof. Florence Obi, Reacts to UNICAL Dentistry Quota Crisis.
Last week, the Vice Chancellor addressed students of the faculty directly, explaining that the issue predates her administration and that admissions into Dentistry have been suspended for the past three years, barely a year after she assumed office based on directives from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Arrising from the emergency meeting held on 12/7/2025 between the SUG Executive Council and representatives of the Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery, the following resolutions were reached regarding the ongoing academic crisis in the faculty:
1. Class Awaiting Induction
– Students awaiting induction will remain on hold pending a clear directive from the University administration.
2. Year 6 Class (39 Students)
The progression of this class is dependent on the resolution reached concerning those awaiting induction class.
3. Year 5A Class (97 Students)
This class has been delayed in comparison to their medical counterparts (170 students). While the stated MBBS quota is 150, historical precedent shows flexibility — Medicine has graduated larger numbers when needed.
The Year 5A Medicine class is four months ahead, currently completing Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics. They are expected to begin Final Year in October, followed by a 4-month academic break.
Dentistry Year 5A students may use this 4-month window to catch up academically and may function as a parallel subclass to the medicine stream.
4. Year 5B Class (128 Students)
This group currently undertakes all academic activities with their medical counterparts and can be moved fully into Medicine.
5. Year 4A Class (41 Students)
This class can also be absorbed into the MBBCh programme.
General Resolutions:
The Faculty of Dentistry must not be left entirely vacant.
A minimum of 20 students per class should remain to sustain the faculty structure.
All remaining students (above the 20 per class threshold) should be transferred to Medicine accordingly.
The idea of transferring students to other schools is in all ramifications not utilitarian.
To our beloved CUDENSAites, I urge you from the depths of my heart, to refrain from any form of protest, unrest, or violent demonstration.
Such actions, however well-intentioned, may result in consequences that would only worsen the situation. Let us remain calm, united, and strategic. The Union is on your side, and we are fighting your cause with every available channel.
We appreciate the cooperation of all student representatives and reaffirm the Students’ Union’s commitment to ensuring every affected student’s future is secured in line with due process and institutional capacity.
Now more than ever, we must allow wisdom and dialogue to guide our steps. Let the Compass lead us on the right path.
Signed
Sen. OBO EMMANUEL
President, SUG UNICAL
