The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has officially announced the transfer of all Year One students admitted into the Faculty of Dentistry for the 2024/2025 academic session to other departments within the institution. The directive, contained in a memo signed by Dr. (Mrs.) Bennyta B. Ikpeme, Deputy Registrar and Faculty Officer for the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, was released on Monday, September 22, 2025. The memo emphasized that the decision was taken in line with management’s directive to ensure a smooth academic transition for affected students.
According to the notice referenced UC/CMS/FOD/DN/10, the Faculty of Dentistry is facilitating the transfer process to avoid disruption of academic programs. The Faculty Officer made it clear that all students concerned must select a preferred department from the options provided and formally notify the Faculty Office on or before the close of work on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The urgency of the exercise underscores the institution’s determination to conclude the process without affecting the academic calendar.
The departments available for transfer include Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Physiotherapy, and Genetics and Biotechnology. These departments, spread across related disciplines in medical and biological sciences, are considered compatible alternatives for students originally admitted into Dentistry. By providing these options, management seeks to accommodate the academic aspirations of the students while ensuring they remain within their broader field of study.
The transfer notice is addressed to all Year One students of the Faculty of Dentistry and was circulated to top management officers, including the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, the Registrar, the Dean, and Sub-Dean of the Faculty. This wide circulation reflects the seriousness attached to the decision and the importance of transparency in implementing such a directive.
Students and parents have expressed mixed reactions to the development. While some welcomed the move as a pragmatic solution to possible institutional constraints, others expressed concerns about the sudden change in academic trajectory. For many of the affected students, the dream of becoming dentists has now been reshaped by circumstances beyond their control. Nonetheless, the provision of related science-based alternatives may ease the disappointment for some.
Insiders within the university community suggest that the transfer directive may be linked to accreditation challenges or infrastructural inadequacies currently facing the Faculty of Dentistry. Though management has not officially stated the reason, such transfers are not uncommon in Nigerian universities when faculties undergo restructuring, accreditation delays, or capacity adjustments. Observers believe the institution opted for transparency in order to prevent confusion and ensure students are not stranded.
Academic analysts have noted that this development, while potentially disruptive, may ultimately benefit the affected students by allowing them to pursue degrees in disciplines that are equally in demand within Nigeria’s health and science sectors. Graduates in Biochemistry, Physiology, and Physiotherapy, for instance, enjoy wide career opportunities in healthcare, research, and allied medical practices. By diversifying student placements, UNICAL may also be strengthening its overall capacity in these fields.
The University of Calabar has assured the public that the process will be handled with fairness and urgency. By mandating a deadline of September 23, 2025, management is seeking to finalize placements in time for lectures to commence across all departments. As students weigh their options and adjust to the new reality, the institution’s handling of the matter will likely be seen as a test of its commitment to both academic standards and student welfare.
