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UNICAL VC Promises to Resolve Dentistry Students’ Crisis

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From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi has promised that she would do everything humanly possible to ensure that the ongoing crisis in the institution’s Department of Dentistry, is resolved.Prof. Obi made the promise in Calabar during a press briefing, stressing that she will resolve the crisis before leaving office.

She explained that the problem predates her administration, and pledged to intensify efforts to rectify the crisis.
She added that the crisis was as a result of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)’s refusal to induct 2016 Dentistry students of the institution.She also debunked claims circulating on social media that the institution’s Dentistry programme has lost its accreditation, describing the reports as “misinformation and distortion of facts,” clarifying that the programme remains fully accredited and no students have been directed to transfer to other universities.
“At no point did the University ask Dentistry students to seek transfers to other institutions, nor were they advised to ‘go and learn a trade’ as falsely alleged online,” the VC stated.“I will feel very bad if I leave without solving this problem and the students are left hanging without knowing their fate. I won’t be fulfilled,” she said.She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring all Dentistry students graduate and are duly licensed as dental surgeons.She noted that the Dentistry programme commenced in the 2013/2014 academic session, and in November 2019, the University secured pre-clinical accreditation from the MDCN and full clinical accreditation was subsequently granted in December 2022.The VC added that the university’s synergy and partnership with the Minister of Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to upgrade its facilities.”All we asked for is time to engage with other institutions, update the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and follow through on due processes,” she noted.Speaking further, Obi said that some of the affected students demanded to be transferred to the Department of Medicine and Surgery but said it was not the solution as the department was already saturated.She urged the affected students to remain calm, noting that the university was doing everything possible to resolve the issues before the end of her tenure.

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Abducted Nasarawa Varsity Students Regain Freedom

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Students of the Faculty of Engineering, Nasarawa State University, Gudi Campus, who were abducted by gunmen have been released.

The Nasarawa State Police Command disclosed this on Tuesday, confirming that the victims are currently receiving medical attention and psychological support following their ordeal.

Announcing the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said two suspects linked to the abduction had been arrested during intelligence-led operations.

He identified the suspects as Abdullahi Yeyi Haro, alleged to be the leader of the kidnapping syndicate, and Basiru Abdullahi, both natives of Gudi.

According to the command, the arrests followed coordinated tactical operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction.

“Following sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated tactical efforts by operatives of the Command, two suspected kidnappers linked to the incident have been arrested. The suspects, identified as Abdullahi Yeyi Haro, alleged leader of the kidnapping syndicate, and one Basiru Abdullahi, both males from Gudi, were apprehended after diligent investigation and strategic operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, commended the operatives for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.

He reiterated the command’s determination to rid the state of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Mohammed added that investigations were ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.

The police also appreciated members of the public for providing timely information that aided the operation and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Foreign News

Uganda’s President Sworn in for Seventh Term

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Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, 81, has been sworn in for a record seventh consecutive term following his landslide victory in disputed elections in January, extending his tenure as one of Africa’s longest-serving rulers.

Heavy security, including armoured tanks, were deployed in the capital, Kampala, ahead of the inauguration in what police said were measures intended to maintain public order.

Museveni was declared the winner of the election with more than 70 percent of the vote, with his term expected to end in 2031.

The 44-year-old opposition leader, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, fled the country after the election, saying he feared that “the regime wanted to eliminate me”.

Museveni first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 but since then has won seven elections.

He is among the few African leaders in power for more than 40 years. Others include Congo-Brazzaville’s Denis Sassou Nguesso, Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang and Cameroon’s Paul Biya.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. The government declared the day a public holiday.

African leaders who attended the ceremony included Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi, South Sudan’s Salva Kiir and Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Uganda has one of the world’s youngest populations, with the majority of the people having known no other president.

Museveni has not indicated when he intends to retire, but analysts said this is likely to be his last term.

His 51-year-old son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the military chief, has been widely tipped as a potential successor.

However, Kainerugaba has increasingly faced criticism for the way he uses social media to threaten the opposition, including Wine.

On X earlier this year, he threatened to have Wine’s testicles removed in posts that have since been removed.

Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform party, said the results of the elections were “fake” and urged Ugandans to fight back for their democracy.

The government insisted that the elections were free and fair, and Museveni accused the opposition of seeking to overturn the results through violence, calling them “terrorists”.

Wine went into hiding after raids on his house, and accused security forces of targeting him and his family.

Police denied the allegations, insisting they were only providing security for him as a presidential candidate.

Museveni’s government has continued to face criticism from rights groups over a security force crackdown following the disputed vote.

Last month, Amnesty International said that at least 16 people had likely been killed between 15 and 18 January by the military and the police. It said the victims were reportedly unarmed and posed no imminent threat.

The rights group has also been critical of the treatment of another key opposition politician, Kizza Besigye, who remains in jail since late 2024 after being dramatically abducted while visiting Kenya and forcibly taken to Uganda.

He was later charged in a military court with possession of pistols and attempting to purchase weapons abroad – accusations which he denies.

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NEWS

NYSC Closes Camp for 1,953 Corps Members in Bayelsa

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

A total of 1,953 Corps Members have closed camping for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream 2 orientation exercise and mandatory one-year service in Bayelsa.

The closing ceremony took place at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa on Tuesday.

In his closing remarks Gov.

Douye Diri, urged the corps members to make their service to Bayelsa and Nigeria at large memorable, as they close the 21 days mandatory camping.

He urged the corps members to be serious in their Place of Primary Assignment, as to impact knowledge to the people.

Represented by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on NYSC Matter, Mr Wisdom Poyeri, he appealed to corps members to have tolerance and unity for one another in there PPA, as they leave the orientation camp.

He said that the Bayelsa government is ready to support them as they serve in the state for one year. Urging them to contribute meaningfully to their place of primary assignment.

The governor urged them to take seriously whatever they have learnt in the camp, as it will be of immense benefit to them tomorrow.

“I urge you to impact meaningfully on what you have been taught in the camp, for it can be a light to others in the society.Please do not disappoint yourselves, your school and your parents for their support to makyou a better person in the society.

“Bayelsa and Nigeria are counting on you to impact good conduct in Bayelsa State for the future generations,” he said.

The governor pledged the Bayelsa government’s commitments to their welfare and safety, as they remain in Bayelsa, to serve their country Nigeria.

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