Hundreds of pharmacy students at the University of Calabar have taken to the streets in a peaceful demonstration, voicing their frustration over prolonged accreditation delays that threaten to derail their academic and professional futures.
The protesting students, clad in their white laboratory coats, gathered at the university's main entrance, carrying placards with messages such as "Save Our Pharmacy Future" and "Accreditation Now or Never." The atmosphere was charged with emotion as students chanted solidarity songs demanding immediate action from university authorities.
The Heart of the Matter
At the core of the protest lies the failure to secure necessary accreditation from both the National Universities Commission and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria. This bureaucratic gridlock has left final-year students in limbo, uncertain about their eligibility to practice as professional pharmacists upon graduation.
One final-year student, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed the collective anxiety: "We have invested years of hard work and substantial resources into this program. Now we face the terrifying prospect that our degrees might not be recognized by the professional body that regulates pharmacy practice in Nigeria."
Administrative Response
University officials have acknowledged the students' concerns, with the institution's Public Relations Officer releasing a statement assuring that "the management is working tirelessly to resolve all accreditation issues." However, students remain skeptical, citing similar promises made in previous semesters without tangible results.
The Pharmacy Department has historically been one of Unical's flagship programs, producing numerous distinguished pharmacists who have contributed significantly to Nigeria's healthcare sector. The current accreditation crisis threatens to tarnish this legacy and undermine the department's reputation.
Broader Implications
This situation highlights a recurring challenge in Nigeria's higher education system, where accreditation delays frequently disrupt academic calendars and compromise educational quality. The protest at Unical serves as a microcosm of larger systemic issues affecting professional programs across Nigerian universities.
Parents and guardians have joined the chorus of concern, with many expressing worry about the financial and emotional toll on their wards. "We have sacrificed so much for our children's education," said one parent. "It's heartbreaking to see their future hanging in the balance due to administrative inefficiencies."
The Way Forward
Education stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention from relevant regulatory bodies to expedite the accreditation process. Students have vowed to continue their peaceful protest until concrete steps are taken to address their concerns.
The unfolding situation at Unical serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining robust accreditation systems that protect both educational standards and student interests. As the protest continues, all eyes remain on university administrators and regulatory bodies to find a swift resolution to this pressing issue.
