Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, has called on the Nigerian government to act quickly to solve the crisis affecting Dental students at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). This came after he visited the Faculty of Dental Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and heard many complaints about the challenges students are facing at UNICAL.
The issue at UNICAL has to do with the graduation and induction quota for Dental students. Obi said he is aware that the Vice Chancellor of UNICAL has promised to resolve the problem. He thanked her for the assurance and expressed hope that the issue will soon be settled in favour of the students.
Obi stated clearly that no student should suffer because of leadership failure. He stressed that education, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), must not be affected by poor planning or institutional problems. He believes that no matter the cause of the issue, the students should be allowed to continue their studies and graduate, without lowering standards.
He shared a personal story from his time as governor of Anambra State. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria had shut down the medical school at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University because there was no teaching hospital, which is required for accreditation. Students who had already studied medicine for three or four years were told they would have to graduate in other science courses instead.
Obi said he pleaded with the council and promised to build a teaching hospital within two years. Though they said it was impossible, he completed the hospital in just 18 months. This hospital, now known as the Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka, helped the school regain its accreditation and saved the dreams of many future doctors.
He called on the Federal Government to act with urgency and provide both money and support to help the management of UNICAL fix the problem. He said the Vice Chancellor and her team must be supported to make sure the students are not punished for something they did not cause.
According to Peter Obi on Saturday, July 19, 2025, on his official X account:
Obi ended his message by saying Nigeria must stop neglecting education and healthcare while wasting money on less important things. He reminded everyone that the future of the country lies in its children.
