Parents seek action on UniUyo Dentistry programme delay

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Parents of students in the Dentistry programme of the University of Uyo have raised concerns over what they described as uncertainty surrounding the future of their children, following the alleged non-accreditation of the course since 2021.

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The parents, under the Forum of Parents of Dental Students, staged a peaceful protest in Uyo on Friday, calling on the university management, the Federal Government and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to urgently intervene.

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They expressed fear that their children, who are already in advanced stages of training, could lose years of academic work if the issue is not resolved.

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Speaking during a press conference, the Chairman of the forum, Mr Sunday Elijah, who was represented by Otuekong Vincent Udoh, said the situation had placed both students and parents under emotional and financial strain.

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“These students have invested years of disciplined academic effort with the expectation of becoming qualified dental surgeons. They have continued to pay fees and levies consistently every session,” he said.

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He alleged that despite admitting students into the programme, the university had operated without an approved quota for Dentistry, raising concerns about training capacity and compliance with regulatory standards.

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Elijah also claimed that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria had not carried out an accreditation visit since the programme began, describing the situation as unacceptable.

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“We are calling for urgent intervention so that innocent students are not made to suffer for circumstances beyond their control,” he said.

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The parents further demanded immediate steps to prevent what they described as “wasted years,” urging authorities to consider integrating affected students into the university’s accredited MBBS programme.

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They argued that the Dentistry and Medicine students share similar foundational courses and clinical exposure, especially in the senior years.

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“For example, many of them have attended the same lectures, written similar examinations and undergone clinical postings together. It is only fair that a solution be found urgently,” Elijah said.

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He added that families were already under severe financial pressure, with many struggling to sustain tuition and upkeep for the students.

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Reacting to the protest, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Samuel Odewumi, assured that the institution was taking steps to secure accreditation for the programme.

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Odewumi said accreditation remained a key priority for the university and that processes were ongoing to meet regulatory requirements.

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“We have done everything that needed to be done as an institution, including procurement and other preparations. It is not something that can be completed in a day,” he said.

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He added that the university was preparing to formally invite the relevant regulatory body for accreditation assessment.

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The disagreement has heightened anxiety among parents and students, who insist that urgent action is needed to safeguard the future of those enrolled in the programme.

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