The management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has officially transferred 62 students from its Department of Dentistry to Rivers State University (RSU), marking a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the institution’s over-admission crisis.
The transfer follows a series of protests staged by the affected students in July 2025. During the demonstrations, the students marched to the office of the Vice Chancellor to demand explanations and justice after being told by the school authorities to withdraw from the programme and “go learn a trade.” The directive sparked widespread outrage, as many of the students had already spent several years pursuing their dental degrees.
The crisis originated when it was discovered that UNICAL had admitted more students than its Dentistry programme could legally accommodate, given its lack of full accreditation for the course under the medical faculty. The situation not only raised questions about the university’s administrative oversight but also exposed deep flaws in Nigeria’s higher education regulatory processes.
After consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the leadership of the Nigerian Dental Association, an agreement was reached to transfer a portion of the affected students to accredited universities. Rivers State University subsequently accepted 62 students to continue their academic journey without losing additional years.
This decision has brought partial relief to the displaced students and their families, though many others remain uncertain about their academic futures. The UNICAL management, meanwhile, has pledged to review its admission procedures and take corrective measures to prevent a recurrence of such institutional lapses.
