UNIJOS Dental Students Cry Out Over 10 Years of Academic Stagnation, Appeal for Gov’t Intervention
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
The Jos University Dental Students Association (JUDENSA) has cried out over what it described as “a decade of frustration, trauma, and unfulfilled promises,” following prolonged delays in their academic program at the University of Jos.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau State Council Secretariat in Jos, President of the Association, Mr. Johnson Titus Bisani, lamented that many students have spent ten years studying dentistry in a program designed to last six years.
According to him, the situation has left students emotionally drained, financially strained, and uncertain about their futures.
> “We are emotionally drained, deeply traumatized, and vulnerable to suicidal tendencies,” Bisani said. “This is about justice for young Nigerians chasing their dreams in dental healthcare. We have reached our breaking point.”
Bisani narrated how the dental program, which began in 2015, was launched with enthusiasm but has since been plagued by endless delays and unfulfilled promises.
“Year after year, students paid fees, attended lectures, and completed postings with little advancement toward writing our dental examinations,” he explained. “Nine years passed without a single graduate or a single professional dental exam written.”
He recalled that following a peaceful protest in April 2024, the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, intervened, facilitating the preclinical accreditation for the faculty in June 2024. However, he said hopes were once again dashed as the clinical phase of accreditation has yet to be secured over a year later.
“We were told we would get the clinical phase within six months,” Bisani said. “But now, in October 2025, those promises have evaporated into thin air.”
He accused the university management of failing to take responsibility for the delays, while absolving the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) of blame.
“It is apparent that the school management is grossly at fault. We believe the MDCN is not responsible for our ordeal,” he stated. “We appeal to the Council for clemency and to find ways to hold the university accountable without punishing the students.”
The association called on key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, Ministries of Education and Health, and the University of Jos management, to urgently intervene by providing a structured solution plan, a clear accreditation timeline, and compensation for affected students.
Bisani warned that the prolonged stagnation could worsen Nigeria’s brain drain crisis.
“If we can’t make it smooth and easy for our own here, how do we stem the ‘japa’ trend?” he asked. “We are the future of the profession, but this trauma can leave lifelong scars.”
He expressed appreciation to Governor Mutfwang, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) JUTH Branch, Jos University Medical Students Association (JUMSA), and the NUJ Plateau State Chapter for their solidarity and support.
“Well-meaning Nigerians, men and women of the press, political leaders, and stakeholders—please come to our aid. Do not allow our dreams to die or be crushed by circumstances that can be prevented and controlled.”
