The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria has announced a 7-day warning strike starting Monday, November 18, 2024, due to ongoing issues at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State.
The MDCAN’s National Executive Council called for the immediate removal of UNIZIK’s Pro-Chancellor, Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, claiming he disregarded federal directives and caused division over the university’s Vice Chancellor selection.
MDCAN, in a statement signed by its President, Prof. Aminu Mohammad, and Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim, said, “The association demands the removal of the pro-chancellor for failing to comply with the Ministry of Education’s directive regarding the Vice Chancellor’s selection.” The association believes its members were unjustly excluded from competing for the role of Vice Chancellor at UNIZIK, sparking widespread discontent.
The strike, set to impact medical services provided by MDCAN members in all Nigerian universities and public hospitals, also highlights other grievances. MDCAN demanded a change in the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years to address shortages in skilled personnel. It also called for consistent implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure across Nigerian universities, which it argues would improve salaries, entry-level positions, and pension contributions for medical consultants.
Additionally, MDCAN recommended that the Federal Government adopt a standardized advertisement format for Vice Chancellor positions, citing the recent template used by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as a model.
The association said it would reconvene at the end of the 7-day strike to review the government’s response and decide on further actions if necessary.
