Dental Chairs Upheaval: UNICAL Transfers 62 Students to RUST
By Benjamin GBOR
About sixty-two dental students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have been officially transferred to Rivers State University (RUST) following an agreement reached between the university management and the Students’ Union Government (SUG).
The transfer, which took place early Tuesday, followed several meetings and interventions led by the SUG President, Comrade Obo Emmanuel, who engaged the university authorities to resolve the prolonged academic challenges faced by the students.
UNICAL’s Dentistry Department has in recent times been troubled by issues of over-admission and accreditation, raising concerns among students and the academic community. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) had earlier questioned the department’s capacity and accreditation status, creating uncertainty over the academic progress and professional recognition of some students.
Following consultations between the university management, the SUG, the MDCN, and the authorities of Rivers State University, an understanding was reached to transfer students whose classes were affected by the accreditation shortfall.
Consequently, the affected students, mostly in the C2B (500B) class, have been granted approval to continue their studies at RUST, where they will join the 400-level medical students.
Some of the students expressed relief and optimism, saying the move could help them complete their programme sooner than their colleagues still at UNICAL. Others described the transition as emotionally demanding, noting that they would need time to adjust to a new academic environment and system.
The students were conveyed from the UNICAL campus on Tuesday in a Delking vehicle, with their belongings loaded for the trip to Rivers State.
Speaking on the development, the SUG President clarified that not all students from the Dentistry Department were affected by the transfer. He explained that only sixty-two students were officially approved to move, while those who remain at UNICAL are in classes fully accredited by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
