The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has come under intense pressure following recent revelations that the Faculty of Dentistry currently holds only partial accreditation, allowing the admission of just 10 students per academic session.
This revelation has sparked anxiety, frustration, and heartbreak among students in the faculty, many of whom are now uncertain about their future after learning the university exceeded its approved admission quota. The infraction reportedly led to the loss of full accreditation.
In response, the Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof. Florence Obi, convened a meeting with the affected Dentistry students to address the issue and provide clarity.
Prof. Obi explained that it is normal practice across universities to admit more students than the quota to account for expected reductions over time a phenomenon she described as “attrition.” She expressed surprise that the current batch of dentistry students performed exceptionally well, contrary to expectations of high attrition, and commended their brilliance.
She cited several key reasons for the accreditation setback:
– Shortage of lecturers
– Lack of essential equipment
– Inadequate classrooms and seating
– Inability to pay part-time (visiting) lecturers
Prof. Obi also pointed out that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had planned to return for a follow-up accreditation visit six months after their last inspection but that visit never happened. When students asked why, the VC admitted that a lack of funding prevented the university from meeting the requirements necessary to invite the NUC back.
During the meeting, students proposed possible solutions, including:
1. Merging most of us with our Medicine & Surgery counterparts.
2. Provision of funds to facilitate the requirements given by MDCN so that the Quota can be increased
However, there was no concrete response or assurance from either the Vice Chancellor or the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences regarding these suggestions.
In conclusion, the Vice Chancellor did not provide a clear path forward, leaving students with more questions than answers and their future in dental training at UNICAL still uncertain.
