Don’t Allow School System Break You Down, Dental Sciences Dean Advises Students

By Vanessa Foubri, Ayoola Dorcas, Confidence George, Odejobi Feyikemi, Taiwo Elizabeth 

The dean of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, Professor Olalekan Gbotoloru,n has advised students to remain committed and inspired, despite different academic issues they face in school. 

In an interview with UNILAG Sun, Gbotolorun said that Dental Sciences is one of the toughest faculties, adding that they should not allow the system bring them down. 

He noted that students should put their best foot forward in all academic activities. 

“A lot of things in dentistry are hands-on. You’re expected to follow procedures. And they are tough to meet,” he said.

“They’re even easier now because we’re the understanding set of parents.

“It’s tough. But if you keep at anything, it eventually keeps you. So just keep at it. When you eventually get to the other side, then you’ll be telling the story that I’m telling you now.”

Gbotolorun noted that the faculty creates several opportunities each year for students to participate in exchange programmes, allowing them to learn new approaches and gain broader exposure to global academic and professional environments.

He, however, said that while students in other programmes can use semester breaks to make up for lost time, dental sciences do not have the luxury. 

“Dental students do not have that flexibility because of their 48-week schedule. As a result, it becomes difficult for them to align with general examination timelines,” he said. 

Gbotolorun noted that the faculty is involved in several partnerships,  especially with alumni to get funds for infrastructural development, renovations and other opportunities.
“The alumni have been fantastic so far. And we have been continuing a lot with their help. We have quite a few ongoing grants through collaborations with them,” he said.