UNICAL to interact psychologists to counsel depressed dentistry college students

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Obi has said they are thinking of engaging the services of psychologists to talk to the over 300 dentistry students of varying levels in the school who are not allowed to continue their studies.

The school has confirmed that there were over admission of students even before the tenure of Prof Obi whose tenure elapses before end of the year.

The development has caused the 300 students depression, even as a few had contemplated suicide.

The school said they want to transfer the students to 13 other universities who are also offering the course but the students have insisted against the proposal.

In a viral video, the students said they would prefer to be merged with the surgery and medicine department instead of being transferred elsewhere with attendant hefty financial implications and risks of repeating another year.

The students umbrella body, Nigerian Association of Dental Students, led by Victory Ochuwa had cautioned UNICAL against the moves, advising a reversal to avert tension, depression and suicide.

Speaking to journalists in her office, the VC said they were all for the best interests of the students and had been explaining their efforts to resolve the problems to both students and parents.

“We noted the report that a student contemplated a suicide. That’s touching and unfortunate.

“We accept the suggestion to engage psychologists to join us in talking to these students.

“We will look into this suggestion as we interface with government offices and other stakeholders.

“Before I leave office, I will ensure that this issue and others are resolved”, she said.

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