Tension has erupted at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) following a directive by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, ordering hundreds of students in the Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery to vacate the campus due to over-admission beyond the quota approved by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The controversial decision was announced during a meeting held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, between the university management, affected students, and their parents. The meeting followed a memo issued from the office of the Provost, College of Medical Sciences, with reference number UC/CMS/PO/209, inviting all dental students and their parents to a dialogue with the Vice Chancellor.
The memo, signed by Mrs Anita B. Eyo, Deputy Registrar and College Secretary, did not specify the agenda. However, sources confirmed that the meeting centred on the ongoing issue of over-enrolment in the faculty.
Following the meeting, all students from 200 to 600 levels were instructed to leave campus and return home indefinitely, pending resolution of the crisis.
Students Lament Financial and Emotional Toll
Many of the affected students have expressed deep frustration, describing the university’s decision as unjust and emotionally devastating.
One student, who asked not to be named, accused the institution of “greed and mismanagement,” alleging that it had admitted far more students than the MDCN-approved quota for the programme.
“The quota is 10 students per academic year, but UNICAL admitted over 300 in a single class. Now, they’ve told all of us to go home—after collecting millions from us in tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and other fees,” the student said.
Another final-year student echoed similar sentiments, stating that the sudden suspension of their academic journey was not only unfair but also financially and psychologically damaging.
“This is not our fault. We were admitted, we paid all required fees, and we’ve worked hard. Why should we suffer for the university’s failure to comply with regulatory standards?” she questioned.
Ban on Protests
Reports also suggest that the Vice Chancellor has prohibited any form of protest or public demonstration on campus regarding the matter, further heightening tensions.
Students say they now face an uncertain future, with many concerned about the loss of academic time and the potential invalidation of their years of study if no urgent solution is found.
MDCN Regulations and Quota Oversight
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) sets strict admission quotas for institutions offering professional training in Dentistry to ensure quality education and proper supervision. Over-admission is considered a serious breach, as it undermines the council’s capacity to accredit graduates and maintain training standards.
While the MDCN is yet to issue an official statement on the UNICAL situation, education analysts have warned that the incident could have long-term implications for the university’s accreditation status and its future dental programmes.
Stakeholders Call for Accountability
The development has sparked widespread outrage among parents and stakeholders in the education sector, many of whom are calling for a thorough investigation and urgent government intervention.
“This is a crisis of leadership and accountability,” said one parent. “Students cannot bear the consequences of an institutional error that they did not cause.”
As pressure mounts, the university management is yet to issue a comprehensive public statement beyond the meeting announcement.
Affected students and their families are now demanding immediate redress, transparency in the admission process, and a clear path forward.
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