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Summary
UNICAL Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has pledged to resolve the over-admission crisis in the university’s Dentistry programme before the end of her tenure. She assured that the programme remains accredited and that efforts are underway to address the situation with relevant authorities.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has pledged to resolve the long-standing crisis affecting the institution’s Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery. The issue stems from reports of over-admission beyond the quota approved by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Prof. Florence, who is the 11th and first female Vice Chancellor of UNICAL, made the assurance on July 15, 2025 during a press briefing in Calabar, stating that the issue predates her administration but will be addressed before the end of her tenure.
“I will feel very bad if I leave without solving this problem and the students are left hanging without knowing their fate. I won’t be fulfilled,” she said.
The crisis came to a head last week when hundreds of Dentistry students from 200 to 600 levels were asked to leave campus and return home with their parents until the over-admission issue is resolved. The directive followed a meeting held on July 10 between the Vice Chancellor, affected students, and their parents, as outlined in a memo issued by the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences.
Prof. Florence stressed that the programme remains fully accredited and debunked widespread claims on social media that UNICAL’s Dentistry programme had lost accreditation. She also highlighted that the programme began in the 2013/2014 academic session, gained pre-clinical accreditation in 2019, and secured full clinical accreditation in December 2022.
She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ensuring that all affected students graduate and are licensed as dental surgeons.
In addressing the root of the crisis, Prof. Florence blamed the over-admission on certain university officials, including the provost, dean, and admission officers. She revealed that the implicated staff would face disciplinary action, including the issuance of formal queries.
To resolve the issue, the university is working closely with the Minister of Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to upgrade facilities and engage with other institutions and the MDCN.
“All we asked for is time to engage with other institutions, update the MDCN, and follow through on due processes,” she said.
