The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, has assured that the institution is taking urgent steps to resolve the ongoing over-admission crisis affecting students in the Faculty of Dentistry.
This assurance comes amid growing concerns and protests from students who claim they have been left in academic limbo due to what they describe as excessive intake beyond the department’s approved capacity. The situation, according to affected students, has led to stalled academic progress, overcrowded classrooms, and uncertainty over graduation timelines.
In a recent address to concerned stakeholders and members of the university community, Prof. Obi acknowledged the irregularities in the admission process and reiterated her administration’s commitment to ensuring that all affected students receive fair consideration and are not academically shortchanged.
“We are aware of the unfortunate situation in the Faculty of Dentistry, and I want to assure all students and parents that we are working closely with the relevant bodies to regularize the issue. No student will be left behind,” Prof. Obi said.
She noted that part of the problem stemmed from unauthorized admissions carried out without appropriate clearance from regulatory bodies such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). The council has strict quotas for professional programs like Dentistry, which institutions must adhere to in order to maintain standards and accreditation.
To address the crisis, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that a task force has been set up to audit admissions, liaise with regulatory agencies, and develop short- and long-term strategies to ensure the Faculty of Dentistry operates within approved limits moving forward.
Parents, advocacy groups, and education stakeholders have lauded the VC’s response but are calling for a time-bound action plan and full transparency throughout the process.
The over-admission crisis in UNICAL’s Dentistry program is the latest in a string of regulatory and capacity-related challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education system. Analysts say it underscores the need for tighter oversight, better planning, and adequate infrastructure to match rising student demand in specialized fields.
source: punchng.com
