UNICAL Leadership Crisis: No Nigerian Student Should Bear the Brunt — Peter Obi Demands Urgent FG Action

Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, has strongly appealed to the Nigerian Government to intervene swiftly in the ongoing leadership and administrative crisis at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). The controversy, centered on the graduation and professional induction quota for dental students, has sparked concerns of academic stagnation and institutional negligence.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, Obi conveyed deep concern over the unfolding situation. He decried the matter as an unfortunate manifestation of leadership failure, emphasizing that no Nigerian student should have their future jeopardized because of bureaucratic inefficiencies or lapses in institutional governance.

Obi mentioned that he became aware of the gravity of the issue after visiting the Faculty of Dental Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). During his engagement, stakeholders briefed him extensively on the crisis affecting UNICAL dental students.

“Irrespective of the underlying cause, the undeniable fact remains — it is unjust for students to endure the consequences of administrative shortcomings,” Obi asserted in his statement. “Our educational system must be robust enough to empower young Nigerians, particularly in vital disciplines such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).”

Drawing from his governance experience, Obi recounted facing a parallel challenge during his administration in Anambra State. He narrated how the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria once withdrew accreditation from the state’s medical school at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. The revocation stemmed from the absence of an approved teaching hospital, putting medical students’ careers on the line and threatening to derail years of academic commitment.

However, rather than allowing the students’ academic journey to collapse, Obi disclosed that his administration swiftly took action. Within a record time of 18 months, his government successfully constructed and inaugurated the Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka. This strategic move reinstated the institution’s accreditation, thereby safeguarding the academic and professional aspirations of countless students.

He therefore called on the Federal Government to provide not just financial backing but also institutional support to UNICAL authorities to ensure the matter is resolved without further delay.

“It is imperative that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, alongside her management team, is fully equipped and supported to address this crisis immediately. No student should be penalized for issues completely beyond their control,” Obi emphasized.

Additionally, Obi raised an alarm over the persistent neglect of Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors. He implored the nation’s leaders to treat these foundational pillars with urgency and dedication, recognizing their direct impact on the wellbeing and prospects of young Nigerians.

For updates on similar educational challenges and governance interventions, you can read further from reputable sources like the Premium Times Nigeria and stay informed through institutional updates from the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC).