Dental students of the University of Jos have raised serious concerns over what they described as an exhausting and emotionally draining academic journey, claiming they have spent ten years as undergraduates without graduating.
The students said the situation has left them frustrated as their programme, originally designed for six years, has now doubled in length with no end in sight.
Speaking during a press briefing, the President of the association, Johnson Titus Bisani, expressed deep worry over the prolonged delay and the effect it has had on their lives. He said the experience has caused “10 years of prolonged emotional trauma, and a painful and disturbing ordeal.” He added, “We are not here to point fingers, but to share our story in the hope of finding understanding, compassion and real solutions.”
According to the students, many of them gained admission in 2015 through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board into the Dentistry programme, with high expectations of graduating within the standard duration. They noted that the Faculty of Dentistry at the institution remains the only dental school in the North Central region, making their setback a regional concern that affects access to dental professionals.
They further explained that although they made several appeals through meetings and official letters to the school authorities, there was little response until their first major protest held on April 25, 2025. After the protest, they recalled that the management and faculty leadership issued a timeline promising that within six months, the required clinical accreditation would be secured to enable the first set of students to proceed with their clinical examinations and induction.
However, the students lamented that the promise has not been fulfilled, as the clinical accreditation is yet to be completed. The prolonged delay has left them stuck academically and mentally exhausted, with many unable to plan their futures, secure employment or continue to the next phase of their professional journey.
They appealed to relevant authorities and well meaning Nigerians to intervene urgently so they can progress and complete their studies. The group insisted that after a decade in the programme, they have reached their breaking point and are calling for swift action to prevent further setbacks.