The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Florence Obi, has appealed to students and parents for calm amid the ongoing crisis over the non-induction of the university’s 2016 Dentistry graduates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Prof. Obi expressed concern over the emotional toll on the affected students, some of whom have reportedly shown signs of depression and suicidal thoughts.
“I want to really appeal to my students to be calm. On my honour, we will see how, together with MDCN, we can resolve the problem,” she said.
Prof. Obi blamed the crisis on the overadmission of students, revealing that instead of the MDCN-approved quota of 10, the university admitted 60 students, leading to the current standoff with the council.
The VC assured stakeholders that steps are being taken to rectify the issue, including plans to employ the required dental staff and obtain MDCN clearance. She also promised to engage the Minister of Education in a bid to fast-track the solution.
“If we get the minister’s permission to employ, and we recruit the required staff quickly, we can resolve part of the problem within the next one or two months,” she explained.
In a strong stance on accountability, Prof. Obi announced that internal investigations have begun, and those found culpable in the overadmission—such as the dean, provost, and admission officer—will face disciplinary consequences.
“We are going to invoke the university’s internal mechanism. Some people will be queried. Definitely, there will be consequences.”
When asked if she takes responsibility for the crisis, Prof. Obi responded:
“Of course, I am the head. I take responsibility—even for the ones I inherited.”
Prof. Obi noted that the university is networking with other institutions to explore possible placements for the affected students and stressed that she remains personally committed to finding a lasting solution.
Meanwhile, the affected students continue to protest, demanding an immediate resolution to the lingering induction delay that has left them in professional limbo.
