Aniefiok Christopher
Uncertainty is gripping over 22 Dentistry and Surgery students of the University of Uyo (UniUyo) following the continued non-accreditation of the programme by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Founded in 1991 by the Federal Government after the extinction of former University of Cross River State, the University of Uyo began admitting students into its Dentistry and Surgery programme under the College of Health Sciences years ago despite the course allegedly lacking full accreditation from the regulatory body.
Investigations by Straightnews revealed that the programme has consistently appeared on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) brochure, enabling candidates to secure admission and pay tuition fees through the university’s portal, even as concerns persist over its accreditation status with the Dental Council of Nigeria.
Further investigation by the newspaper shows that National Universities of Commission (NUC) which plays a major role in accrediting academic programmes in Nigerian universities is handicapped owing to inability of UNiUYO to fully prepare and present the programme for accreditation.
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However, the Forum of Parents of Dental Students, University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State has raised concern about the non-accreditation of the Dentistry programme in the university since its inception in 2021.
Speaking Thursday during a press briefing held in Uyo, the forum expressed fear that the students risk spending extra years if nothing is done to forestall the looming academic disaster at the institution.
The protesting parents had stormed the streets of Uyo with placards carrying various inscriptions such as ‘Do not normalize extra years for professional students’, ‘Save the future of Uniuyo Dental Students now’, ‘We reject unnecessary prolongation for our children’, amongst others.
Addressing journalists shortly after the peaceful demonstration, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr Sunday Elijah expressed doubt about the University’s ability to secure accreditation for the programme, considering the fact that the institution lacks critical components required for proper training and accreditation, let alone the graduation of the pioneer students, which is currently in their 5th year of studies.
Elijah who spoke through one of the parents, Otuekong Vincent Udoh, said that the university management has not yet invited the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for an advisory visit let alone an accreditation visit, a process, he hinted ought to have been initiated for accreditation before admitting students into the programme.
“Ideally, accreditation should have been secured before the admission of students into the programme. However, the University is only now making attempts to procure limited equipment, which are insufficient in relation to the current student population per class and do not meet established accreditation standards” the forum Chairman hard stated.
Speaking further he said “In view of this, there is an urgent need to implement immediate alternative measures to safeguard students already in the clinical phase, while the University works toward establishing a compliant and sustainable foundation for the programme.”
They, however, acknowledged that the University management had during one of their engagements, informed the parents that approval had been granted for the purchase of only ten (10) dental chairs and ten (10) phantom heads. “We submit, with due consideration, that these numbers are grossly insufficient to meet the minimum requirements for accreditation.
“After careful evaluation of these options, we strongly believe that the Internal merger represents the most immediate, practical, and feasible solution, particularly for students in Year 5, Year 4, and Year 3, based on the following reasons: first, the quota for the MBBS programme at the University has not been exceeded for these classes, meaning that accommodating these students is feasible. For example, the total number of students in the Year 5 class is 87 (65 medical students and 22 dental students), while the approved quota for Medicine is 150 students.
“Second, the students in these classes have already undergone the same foundational medical training as their MBBS counterparts. They attended the same lectures and have successfully sat for the Part 1 and Part II Bachelor of Medicine (MB) examination in their 300 Level and 400 Level respectively alongside their medical counterparts. They have also participated in the same clinical postings in Medicine and Surgery, and are currently at the same level of academic and clinical progression. This makes the integration into the MBBS programme both reasonable and academically justified.
“Third, the merger can be implemented immediately without waiting for the construction of new facilities, recruitment of lecturers, or completion of accreditation processes for the Faculty of Dentistry, which may take several years to achieve.
“Fourth, this approach will prevent unnecessary prolongation of studies and protect the students and their families from avoidable emotional, psychological, and financial hardship.
“Fifth, extending the merger to Year 3 students is particularly important because they are approaching the clinical phase of their training, and early intervention will prevent further academic disruption.”
The Forum urged the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, for clemency and to hold the University of Uyo management accountable without subjecting innocent students to further hardship arising from circumstances beyond their control.
The forum is, therefore, appealing that proactive measures be adopted by the institution, the Federal Government and the state government so that the students who are at the verge of graduation are not left stranded.
Acting Vice Chancellor Reacts
Speaking with our reporter on telephone, the acting Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Samuel Odewumi, admitted that securing accreditation for the Dentistry programme has become a big concern to him since assumption of office.
He assured that university management would do everything within its powers to ensure that accreditation is secured.
“If there is anything I have been concerned about since I came into office, is this issue of accreditation. We have done everything as an institution that needed to be done, including award of contracts and lot more.
“It is not something that could be done in a day or two, but I want to assure you that everything is in progress. What is left is to invite the the council for accreditation of the programme,” the VC added.
