Dentist students at Moi University yesterday caused drama when they stormed the office of acting Vice Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut, protesting over the indefinite closure of a clinic located at the town campus due to lack of practical materials.

Speaking to the media at the town campus, the students of the financially troubled institution claimed they normally undertake their practical lessons at the clinic before graduation.

Led by the Dentist Student’s Association, Moi University chapter, chairperson Peter Muchina, they accused the institution’s management for failing to address the problems that have led to the shutdown of the clinic for the last five months.

“There is no way we can graduate without undertaking practical lessons at the clinic which is mandatory in the field of dentistry,” said Muchina who was flanked by other students in Eldoret.

He said they have been idling at the campus for the last five months instead of continuing their five-year degree, following the closure of the clinic with no hope of the facility being re-opened.

“Our attempts to meet with the management in the last two to three months to discuss and deliberate over the crisis facing the clinic have been futile and yet our parents have paid college fees as required by the university,” lamented Muchina.

Degree course

The student leader claimed the situation, which is becoming a trend in the institution, often forces students to take between six and eight years instead of five to graduate with a degree course in dentistry.

“Whenever we complain over the continued closure of the clinic, the university management gives us false promises through the university WhatsApp group that the issue is being addressed and therefore we should be patient,” added Everline Wesika, a student.

However, in his remarks, Kotut pleaded with the protesting students to resume class as the management looks into ways to address their grievances which he termed as valid.

He told them there was no cause for alarm, plans were being worked out to ensure the clinic is re-opened to enable the final year students to carry out their practical lessons ahead of their graduation.

“We understand the challenge you are facing but let me assure you that the issues that you have raised among them the closure of the clinic will be addressed once and for all to facilitate resumption of the learning programme,” said Kotut.