By Erewunmi Peace

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has come under intense public scrutiny after ordering over 300 dental students—from 200 to 600 level—to vacate the campus, following revelations that the institution had grossly exceeded its approved admission quota.

The decision, which was reportedly communicated during a tense meeting between the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, affected students, and their parents, stems from a long-running accreditation crisis in the university’s Faculty of Dentistry. According to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), UNICAL is only permitted to admit 10 dental students per academic session, yet over 300 were allegedly admitted in recent years.

“This is a gross violation of regulatory limits,” a source at the MDCN told Sahara Reporters. “The over-admission problem has persisted despite repeated warnings.”

Affected students—some already in their final year—were told to either seek transfer to other institutions or withdraw entirely from the dental program, which many say they have invested 3 to 6 years of academic effort and resources into.

Student Outrage and Emotional Toll

A student who spoke under anonymity expressed frustration:

“I’m in 500 level. I’ve written countless professional exams, passed clinics, and suddenly I’m being told my admission is ‘irregular.’ How is that my fault?”

Parents and students have taken to social media and various news platforms to call on the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the MDCN to intervene. The general sentiment is that the students are being punished for a failure that lies squarely with the institution’s management.

Background: A Systemic Breakdown

Sources say the collapse of the dentistry program stems from poor administrative oversight, lack of MDCN re-accreditation, and unchecked admission practices. According to The Nation, UNICAL continued to admit dental students even after the faculty lost full accreditation status.

A Nairaland post reads:

“Over 300 students now have nowhere to go. Why admit them if the course was unaccredited? Why wait until final year to send them away?”

Calls for Intervention

Civil society groups, education advocates, and the affected students are demanding an immediate investigation and a humane resolution that protects the students’ academic futures. Advocacy for re-absorption, course transfers, or special waivers has gained momentum online.

In response to mounting pressure, university officials have yet to release a detailed public statement, though insiders claim an internal committee is reviewing possible solutions.