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Students block UNIJOS university gate over non-accreditation of dental programme
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Demand immediate intervention from management and authorities
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University says ₦800m projects and accreditation talks are underway
Dozens of dental students at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have staged a protest over the non-accreditation of their programme, which has left many stranded in school for over ten years without graduation.
The aggrieved students gathered at the university’s permanent site on Wednesday, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Save us from unending depression,” “Our future is on hold,” and “Accredit us now.”
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Speaking during the protest, the President of the Jos University Dental Students Association, Mr. Johnson Titus, said their frustration stemmed from years of stagnation due to the institution’s failure to secure accreditation for the course.
He accused the university of admitting students into an unaccredited programme without prior disclosure.
“The University of Jos did not inform anyone that there is no accreditation for the dental courses. If we had known, we wouldn’t have applied,” Titus said.
Another student, Mr. Nwike Pius, lamented the institution’s insincerity, alleging that the management had not been transparent about the accreditation process.
“The school has not been sincere with us because we keep hearing conflicting stories from the university and the Council,” he said.
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Efforts to reach the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Chris Piwuna, were unsuccessful. However, a source close to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, confirmed that the management was taking steps to address the students’ grievances.
According to the source, the university recently opened bidding for ₦800 million capital projects, including the purchase of equipment for the dental programme, while discussions were ongoing with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to secure a date for accreditation.
“The university management is working to resolve the issue. Just last week, the Provost and senior faculty members met with the Council for a date,” the source said.
Despite the assurances, the students vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met.
