The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is currently embroiled in a severe credibility crisis following revelations that it admitted far more dental students than the quota approved by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). This breach of regulation has thrown nearly 300 students into academic uncertainty, threatening their professional futures.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
The scandal came to light after it was discovered that UNICAL had admitted up to 90 dental students annually, despite having a provisional accreditation that only allowed for 10 students per year. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing medical and dental education and practice, refused to verify graduation lists that significantly exceeded this quota.
The situation deteriorated when 60 final-year dental students sat their professional examinations, but only 32 passed and were submitted to the MDCN for verification. Alarmed by the irregularities, the council summoned Vice-Chancellor Florence Obi, Provost of the College of Medical Sciences Ngim Ngim, and other university officials to explain the over-enrolment.
On July 8, 2025, the MDCN ordered UNICAL to comply strictly with the approved quota. As a result, the university informed the affected students that they could either transfer to other institutions or change programs. Some students were instructed to return home pending further notice, while others were advised to retake the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Ngim Ngim’s reported advice for the displaced dental students to “go and learn a trade” has sparked outrage among the student body and observers alike. According to sources, the statement was deeply hurtful, compounding the distress of students who have already spent more than five years battling strikes and delays. However, Vice-Chancellor Florence Obi has denied that any such remarks were made.
The MDCN chairman, Professor Afolabi Lesi of the University of Lagos, condemned the university’s blatant disregard for regulatory guidelines, describing the breach as unacceptable and a serious violation of educational standards.
Charlotte, a 500-level dental student, told Lightraymedia that the problem arose after UNICAL resumed admitting dental students despite earlier directives to stop. She noted that dentistry is expected to take six years, plus one year each for internship and NYSC, but many students have spent up to nine years in the faculty due to multiple disruptions.
Charlotte appealed to UNICAL to transfer affected students to the Department of Medicine and Surgery, given the similarity of their courses in the early years. She warned that forcing students to seek transfers elsewhere would cause undue psychological and financial hardship.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola
_______________________________________________________________________
"You Don't Need To Be Rich, You Just Need To Start" — Victoria Ezeigwe, Esq Launches Investment Handbook For Nigerians Starting With ₦5,000
Get your copy today and take the first step toward financial growth:👉 https://selar.co/4f16676016
_______________________________________________________________________
