Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Nigerian government to urgently address the ongoing crisis at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), where over 300 dental students face academic limbo due to quota violations.
In a statement on social media platform X, Obi condemned the situation as a “failure of leadership” and stressed that no student should suffer due to bureaucratic or institutional lapses.
Obi revealed that he was briefed about the crisis following his visit to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he donated ₦15 million to support dental students.
He emphasised the importance of education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and warned against systemic failures that jeopardise students’ futures.
Drawing from his experience as Anambra State governor, Obi recalled how he resolved a similar accreditation crisis at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
When the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) shut down the medical school due to the lack of a teaching hospital, Obi intervened, promising to build one within two years. Against scepticism, his administration completed the Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka within 18 months, saving the academic futures of affected medical students.
Obi urged the federal government to provide immediate financial and institutional support to UNICAL’s leadership to resolve the quota dispute. He insisted that the vice-chancellor and her team must be empowered to rectify the issue without further delay, ensuring no student is penalised for administrative failures.
Also Read:
Inibehe Effiong condemns Edo state Governor’s warning to Peter Obi as undemocratic and irresponsible
Abia police dismantle criminal hideouts near university, arrest four suspects
Senator Nwebonyi opposes scrapping of 1999 constitution, advocates targeted amendments
cc: Daily Post Ng
