The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Banku Obi, has pledged to resolve the lingering induction crisis facing the university’s dentistry students within the next few months. This assurance was given during a media briefing held on July 15, 2025, at the Council Chamber of the institution in Calabar, Cross River State.
The crisis, which has drawn national attention, was triggered by the refusal of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to induct 31 final-year dental students due to over-enrolment beyond the council’s approved quota of 10 students per academic session. The affected students, who had fulfilled their academic requirements, were recently sent home alongside hundreds of others in levels four to six, raising concerns among parents, guardians, and stakeholders.
Speaking on the matter, Professor Obi clarified that the university’s accreditation for the dentistry programme remains valid until 2027. She explained that the current problem arose from historical over-admissions that predated her administration. She emphasised that the issue was not due to a withdrawal of accreditation but rather the institution’s failure to comply with the admission quota set by the MDCN.
To address the situation, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the university has reached an agreement with the MDCN, which includes transferring some students in advanced levels to other accredited institutions. She also noted that the university will temporarily suspend further inductions until facilities and staffing levels meet the required standards. According to her, the MDCN will only resume inductions once these conditions are satisfied.
Professor Obi highlighted the federal government’s recent approval for the recruitment of 218 academic staff, pending budgetary clearance. She also revealed that the university has secured ₦4.75 billion in presidential intervention funds to upgrade infrastructure in the faculties of dentistry, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy. Part of this effort includes increasing the number of dental chairs to at least 40, to meet professional standards.
The Vice Chancellor appealed for patience and understanding from students and parents, acknowledging the emotional and academic toll the crisis has taken. She assured that the transfer and resolution process will be handled with transparency and fairness, and expressed optimism that the backlog of students awaiting induction would be cleared once necessary improvements are completed.
This development marks the first formal commitment by the university leadership to a clear resolution timeline since the crisis escalated in early July. Professor Obi’s remarks have brought a measure of relief and clarity to affected students and families, though concerns remain about the speed and effectiveness of the proposed solutions.