Posted on: Mon 24-11-2025

Imagine dedicating a decade of your life to becoming a dental professional—only to discover you cannot graduate. This is the harsh reality for many dental students at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), who recently staged a protest over the non-accreditation of their program.

On November 5, 2025, frustrated dental students blocked the university’s permanent site gate, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with messages such as:

• Save us from unending depression
• Our future is on hold
• Accredit us now

Their demand is simple: immediate accreditation of their dental program and a clear timeline for graduation.

According to Johnson Titus, President of the Jos University Dental Students Association, students have been trapped in academic limbo for over ten years due to the university’s failure to secure accreditation. He accused the institution of misleading applicants: “If we had known there was no accreditation, we wouldn’t have applied. The university advertised Dentistry on its website, knowing full well the program lacked approval.”

Students describe the emotional toll as devastating—years of uncertainty, financial strain, and shattered dreams. One student, Nwike Pius, expressed anger at the administration’s lack of transparency: “We hear one story from the school and another from the Council. Our attempts to meet the Vice Chancellor have been ignored.”

A source close to the Vice Chancellor claims the management is working on solutions, including:

• Opening bids for 800 million naira capital projects to purchase dental equipment
• Meeting with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to secure an accreditation date

But for students, these promises feel too little, too late.

The situation raises critical questions about accountability in Nigeria’s higher education system:

• Should universities admit students into unaccredited programs?
• Who protects students from academic stagnation?

This is not just a UNIJOS problem. it’s a warning sign for aspiring medical professionals nationwide. Without proper oversight, more students could face similar nightmares.

The protesting students vow to remain at the university gate until their demands are met. Meanwhile, the administration insists progress is underway. Will this standoff lead to real change or another round of empty promises?

Call to Action:
What do you think? Should universities face penalties for admitting students into unaccredited programs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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