Outrage as AAU Ekpoma asks medical students to undertake spending extra four years over teaching equipment shortages

The administration of Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo State, has mandated 300-level medicine and surgery students of the College of Medicine to sign an undertaking due to shortages in teaching equipment. As per the notice seen by Peoples Gazette, students are required to commit to spending an additional four years in the institution, patiently waiting until there is space available to continue their chosen course of study.

To prevent idleness during this waiting period, students must enroll in an 18-month BSc program in Anatomy or Physiology. The undertaking also specifies that students continue paying their school fees regularly. Additionally, the school requires a promise from the students not to engage in any form of protest against this directive.

The undertaking, issued on the day of their examination, outlines the commitments expected from the students. It includes undertaking an intercalated BSc program, waiting for available space to proceed to Clinical (400 Level), continuing to pay school fees, and refraining from any protests or actions that could tarnish the image of the college and the university.

A top official of the institution explained that the directive was a response to the medical and dental council’s determination that the number of students exceeded available facilities. The students were given the option to transfer to another school, and if they chose to do so, their transcripts would be processed for free. Alternatively, if they opted to stay, they would have to wait for three to four years until there was available space.

The official further clarified that the students were asked to pursue another course during the waiting period to avoid wasting time. The medical college provost, Godfrey Iyalomhe, did not provide comments on the matter.

The undertaking has sparked outrage among students and concerned individuals, with criticism directed at the university for forcing students to make such commitments on the day of their exams. Social media posts highlight the challenges faced by these students, questioning the fairness of the situation and expressing dismay at the impact on their futures.