UNICAL Dentistry Students’ Protest Exposes Systemic Failures, Holds University, State Govt Accountable

A group of determined students from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday, demanding urgent induction and facility upgrades. Under the inclement weather, the students, dressed in their lab coats and scrubs, marched to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, seeking answers and intervention.

During the hours-long protest, a student from the graduating class spoke on behalf of the students, highlighting the quota issue that has denied them induction alongside their Medicine and Surgery counterparts. “The induction is going to be on Monday, and we have been denied the induction. Instead, they have been telling us that the graduate quota is 10,” he said, detailing the struggles of students across different levels.

The students’ protest brought to light the systemic failures plaguing the department, including inadequate facilities and lecturer shortages. “Even in our Year 5, they seized our scripts. We wrote professional exams twice because lecturers refused to come. After all our efforts and dialogue, they still say we must wait for MCDN to visit and revalidate. But when we ask for a date, there’s no response.”

He further added that, “They [University] say the federal government has released funds, but the money has not yet been delivered. No one can tell us when exactly that will happen.”

Other students expressed that, “Right now, we are stuck. Some of us have spent 9, 10, or even 11 years in school. We just want to graduate. We don’t want to be transferred to another university.”

Responding, Commissioner of Health Dr. Egbe Ayuk sympathized with the students, saying the information shared was not officially communicated to the ministry.

“We will look into the matter. The government of this state is not happy with how our students are being treated. That’s why there’s an inspiration to create our own state-owned medical school,” he said.

Dr. Ayuk added, “The governor, who is currently away, is not pleased with the situation. We’ll work closely with the university to solve the issue. I assure you, don’t be anxious. For those awaiting induction, please be patient so we can address this properly, not just for you but for the students coming after you.” He commended the students for conducting themselves peacefully.

The students also visited the Federal Secretariat, where a federal complaint officer received them and assured them that the matter falls within the commission’s mandate. “At the commission, we have the mandate to look into your matter. But while we do that, please write us a formal complaint so we can understand the full details,” he said.

Their last stop was the Governor’s Office, where the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, promised to look into the matter. “The governor has asked me to hear your complaints. Two or three of you will follow me to my office to put it down in writing. We will look into it with the university and call you back tomorrow to know how to address the issue.”

The Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, Prof. Florence Obi, promised to resolve the crisis before leaving office, denying reports that the Dentistry programme had lost its accreditation. She also mentioned ongoing efforts to upgrade facilities in partnership with the Ministry of Education and TETFund. However, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise, with the quota limits and accreditation status raising questions about the university’s claims.