The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Calabar has issued a set of proposals aimed at mitigating the ongoing academic disruptions within the Faculty of Dentistry and Dental Surgery. The initiative comes amid continued uncertainty following the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s (MDCN) 2022 suspension of admissions into the programme.

At an emergency meeting convened on July 12, 2025, the SUG, led by President Sen. Obo Emmanuel, met with members of the union’s executive council and faculty representatives to deliberate on the impact of the MDCN directive, particularly on stalled student inductions and halted academic progression.

In a statement released on July 13, President Emmanuel acknowledged the growing frustration among students and appealed for restraint. “This is a critical moment that calls for strategic engagement, not agitation,” he said, stressing the Union’s commitment to finding a resolution that protects students’ academic paths.

The Union outlined five key recommendations. First, students who have completed their training but are awaiting induction will remain on hold until the university receives an official directive from regulatory authorities. Emmanuel noted that the matter is receiving active attention from the institution’s leadership.

Second, the fate of 39 final-year students (Year 6) will depend on the outcome of the induction process for the previous set. The Union maintained that academic progression cannot be considered in isolation from professional certification.

For the 97 students in Year 5A, who are four months behind their counterparts in Medicine, the SUG proposed an academic catch-up plan. The students are expected to use the upcoming break in the MBBS calendar to bridge the gap, with the aim of creating a parallel progression structure.

In the fourth recommendation, the Union advocated for the full integration of 128 Year 5B students into the MBBCh (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) programme. The same transition is being proposed for 41 students in Year 4A, pending a review of their academic standing.

The SUG also advised that while some students be absorbed into Medicine, at least 20 students per class should be retained within Dentistry to ensure the faculty’s continued operation. The proposal aims to balance resource constraints with the need to sustain the programme’s core structure.

President Emmanuel rejected the idea of transferring students to other universities, arguing that such a move would not serve their best interests under the prevailing conditions. He urged students to remain law-abiding, particularly those under the Cross River University Dental Students’ Association (CUDENSA), cautioning against protests or demonstrations.

“Let us remain calm, united, and strategic,” he said, adding that the Union would continue to engage with the university administration and relevant stakeholders.

The statement concluded with a pledge to pursue outcomes that safeguard the academic futures of the affected students, as discussions between the university and regulatory authorities continue.