Uniuyo Dental Students Face Accreditation Crisis

By Babatunji Wusu

Parents of dental students at the University of Uyo (Uniuyo) have raised serious concerns over the continued non-accreditation of the university’s dentistry programme since it began in 2021.

The concerned parents, under the Forum of Parents of Dental Students, warned that students could spend extra years in school if urgent action is not taken. The group made its position known during a press conference in Uyo after staging a peaceful protest with placards demanding immediate intervention.

The protesters carried messages such as “Do not normalize extra years for professional students” and “Save the future of Uniuyo Dental Students now.”

Speaking through Otuekong Vincent Udoh, the forum chairman, Mr Sunday Elijah, expressed doubts that the university could secure dentistry accreditation within the remaining one year and four months before the pioneer students are expected to graduate.

The forum criticised the institution for allegedly failing to invite the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for an advisory or accreditation visit since the programme started. According to the parents, the university only recently began purchasing equipment, which they described as inadequate for accreditation standards.

They also proposed an internal merger of affected students into the MBBS programme as a temporary solution. The parents argued that many dental students have already completed similar foundational medical training and clinical postings alongside medical students, making the transition academically possible.

The group stated that such a move would help students avoid unnecessary academic delays and reduce financial and emotional pressure on families.

Responding to the concerns, acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Samuel Odewumi admitted that securing dentistry accreditation remains a major challenge for the university management. However, he assured parents and students that ongoing efforts, including infrastructure projects and equipment procurement, are aimed at meeting accreditation requirements.

Do you think universities should secure accreditation before admitting students into professional programmes?