CALABAR — In a proactive move to address the academic crisis facing the Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery at the University of Calabar, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) has outlined five key resolutions aimed at protecting the future of affected students.

The emergency meeting, held on July 12, 2025, was convened by SUG President, Senator Obo Emmanuel, with members of the executive council and representatives from the Dentistry faculty. The meeting followed rising concerns over delayed inductions, halted academic progression, and general uncertainty—largely linked to the suspension of admissions into the programme by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) three years ago.

In an official statement dated July 13, President Emmanuel called for calm and reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to supporting students. He announced the following resolutions:

Students who have completed their training and are awaiting induction will remain on hold until the university receives guidance from relevant regulatory bodies. The Union assured students that it is actively engaging with stakeholders on the matter.

The academic progression of the Year 6 class, comprising 39 students, will depend on the outcome of the induction process. The Union emphasized that decisions affecting these students must be made holistically.

The Year 5A class, which has fallen behind its medical counterparts, is expected to use the forthcoming academic break to close the gap. The Union proposed that Dentistry students align academically with their peers in the MBBS programme through a parallel class structure.

With 128 students currently studying alongside medical students, the Union recommended their full absorption into the MBBCh (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) programme, subject to regulatory and academic approval.

The 41 students in the Year 4A class were also proposed for transition into the medical programme, pending academic alignment and institutional approval.

In addition to the five core proposals, the Union advocated that the Faculty of Dentistry should not be entirely dissolved. Instead, it suggested maintaining a minimum of 20 students per class to ensure the faculty’s continued existence and operational relevance. Surplus students may be transitioned into Medicine, depending on available capacity and approval.

President Emmanuel also discouraged any form of protest or unrest by affected students, stressing that such actions could disrupt ongoing dialogue and negotiations.

“We urge all students to remain calm and united,” he said. “The Union stands with you and is engaging all relevant channels to secure a just resolution.”

The statement concluded with assurances that the Union will continue working with the university administration and other key stakeholders to ensure fair and transparent outcomes for all affected students.

The SUG’s engagement has been recognized as a stabilizing influence during a difficult period in the faculty’s history.