By Barr (Dr) Ugoji Nwabueze (Odenigbo). The Face of UNICAL @ 50. Former SSA to the Governor on Non-Indigene Affairs
PETER OBI DONATES N20 MILLION TO UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR’S DENTISTRY DEPARTMENT.
May his days be long and rewarding.
A Crisis in the Dentistry Department
Just a few weeks ago, around 60 final-year students of Dentistry at the University of Calabar took their final professional exam—the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). When the results came out, 32 students passed successfully. As is customary, their names were forwarded to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in Abuja for verification and induction.
Shockingly, the list was rejected
Why? The Council pointed out that the number of graduates far exceeded the approved quota, just ten students. The submission of 32 names was seen as a breach of regulation. In response, the MDCN summoned the university’s Vice Chancellor, Dean, and Provost to Abuja to explain the situation and submit a complete list of all students in the department for indexing.
Upon review, the MDCN discovered gross over-enrolment and promptly withdrew the provisional accreditation granted to the university’s Dentistry programme.
A Tough Moment for Students and Families
This decision placed the university in a very difficult position. The students, who had invested years of effort and were on the cusp of becoming certified dental surgeons, suddenly found themselves in limbo. The university management met with students and their families to explain the dire situation and present limited—mostly unfavourable—options.
Naturally, the news triggered widespread disappointment and sorrow. Yet, through it all, the students, their families, and the wider university community remained peaceful and composed. That maturity and restraint deserve to be applauded.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, has since assured the public that the university is working round the clock to resolve the issue amicably, sparing no effort to protect the futures of the affected students.
Peter Obi Steps In
As news of the crisis spread, concerned Nigerians began to lend their voices—and resources. Among the most notable responses came from Mr Peter Obi, a respected statesman and former governor, who donated a generous ₦20 million in support of the university’s efforts to restore accreditation and assist the affected students.
His gesture, swift and unsolicited, is even more admirable considering this issue lies squarely within the responsibilities of the Federal Government and its regulatory agencies.
A Call for More Support
Mr Obi’s intervention is a shining example of leadership, empathy, and national responsibility. We join countless others in commending his kindness, and we pray that God rewards him abundantly.
We also use this opportunity to appeal to other well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, alumni, and institutions to come to the aid of the University of Calabar. With collective action, we can ensure that the dreams of these promising students are not shattered and that the university’s academic integrity is preserved.
Together, we can make the difference that truly counts.
