By Isreal Adamu, Jos
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has announced a 7-day warning strike starting Monday, November 18, 2024. This action will impact services provided by MDCAN members across Nigerian universities and public hospitals.
MDCAN’s demands include the immediate dismissal of Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe from his role as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The association accuses Mbadiwe of insubordination, citing his refusal to implement the Ministry of Education’s directive to nullify the recent Vice-Chancellor appointment at the university.
In a communique issued in Jos following an extraordinary virtual meeting on November 11, MDCAN leaders expressed disappointment that such appointees continue to hold their positions despite the government’s directive. The communique, signed by MDCAN President Prof. Aminu Mohammad and Secretary Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim, highlighted several key issues, including the lack of harmonization for the retirement age of medical consultants to 70 years, which they argue is essential to address the critical manpower shortfall in healthcare.
The NEC also criticized the government for failing to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for clinical lecturers across Nigerian universities. They called for universal applicability of CONMESS to align medical lecturers’ emoluments with their roles and contributions in training, research, and healthcare services.
Additionally, MDCAN urged the government to adopt a standardized approach for Vice-Chancellor recruitment, citing the recent advertisement by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as an ideal model.
The NEC plans to reassess the situation at the end of the 7-day warning strike, considering the government’s response before deciding on further actions.
