The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) on Monday commenced a seven-day nationwide warning strike over the Nigerian government’s failure to address the vice-chancellorship crisis at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) and other issues.
The association embarked on the strike after a Virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting it held on Monday, November 11, 2024, to consider the 21 days ultimatum issued to the Nigerian government to address its demands on the issue.
In a communique issued and signed by its President, Prof. Mohammad Aminu Mohammad, and the Secretary General, Prof. Daiyabu Alhaji Ibrahim, members of the association were directed to stay away from work across the nation.
The MDCAN in the communique said after extensive deliberations, it observed that the Nigerian government had made no significant progress in addressing all its demands.
It said, “The NEC observe the reckless and utter disregards to due process by the Governing Council Chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, leading to the selection of Vice Chancellor, despite the Government’s clear and unequivocal directive halting the process and nullifying any appointment made based on that process.
“The NEC noted with utter disbelief, that such appointees are still parading themselves as such.
“Failure of the Government to harmonize the Retirement Age of Medical Consultants to 70 years, to address the current shortfall of critical manpower for training, research and healthcare services in the country.”
“Failure of the Government to universally implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for Clinical Lecturers in all Nigerian Universities, which aim to mitigate the current shortfalls in their Emolument, Entry Level, and Pension contribution of her members,” the association added.
The MDCAN therefore declared a seven-day warning strike affecting all services rendered by its members in all Nigerian universities and hospitals from 12:00 midnight Monday, November 18, 2024 to 12:00 midnight Sunday, November 24, 2024.
In its demands, the MDCAN stated, “The Federal Government should immediately relieve the Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University of his appointment as council chairman, for his insubordination and to enforce the Ministry of Education’s directive nullifying any appointments subsequent to their directives.
“The Federal Government to develop an all-Inclusive prototype of advertisement for Office of Vice Chancellor.
“The advertisement for the Office of Vice Chancellor as recently issued by Ahmadu Bello University Zaria may serve as a prototype.
“The MDCAN NEC demands the harmonization of the retirement age of Medical Consultants to 70 years.
“The MDCAN NEC demands harmonization of payment of emoluments of Medical Lecturers with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), in order to ensure universal applicability of CONMESS to all Medical and Dental officers.
“Payment of 2023 and 2024, Clinical Duty Allowance areas, and 2023 25%/35% CONMESS arrears.”
The MDCAN stated that its NEC will reconvene on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 8.00 pm to reassess the situation and progress made to chart the next course of action.
