ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Faculty of Dentistry at University of Nigeria has recorded a major breakthrough after successfully scaling through the re-accreditation exercise of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), with its training quota rising significantly from 15 to 60 students.
The development marks the highest admission quota currently approved for any university training dental surgeons in the country, underscoring a major leap in capacity and infrastructure, according to an elated Dean of the Faculty, Prof Linda Oge Okoye.
The increase followed a rigorous two-day assessment carried out last week by an MDCN accreditation team, which approved additional admission slots after evaluating the faculty’s facilities and available personnel.
Professor Okoye, who disclosed the development to journalists in Enugu, said the faculty is now better positioned to expand opportunities for aspiring dental professionals.
“This increase in quota will help us to produce more Dental Surgeons that will take care of the teeth and oral health of the people of the South-East Nigeria,” she said.
Okoye further revealed that the MDCN also approved an increase in the Dental Housemanship quota of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital to 48, further strengthening the institution’s clinical training capacity.
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The academic Don attributed the milestone to the collective efforts and support of the university leadership and stakeholders, including the Vice Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya; Provost of the College of Medicine, Hyginus Ezegwui; and Chief Medical Director of UNTH, Obinna Onodugo.
The Dean also acknowledged the role of alumni, staff, and students, whose contributions she described as instrumental to the success recorded during the accreditation process.
She specifically commended the support of stakeholders, notably Peter Obi and Prince Ebeano Supermarket, stating that their donations contributed significantly to the transformation and expansion of the faculty’s laboratories and teaching facilities.
Okoye further expressed deep gratitude to God Almighty over the development, describing the quota increase as a significant milestone that will enhance dental education and improve oral healthcare delivery across the Southeast and beyond.