Medical, Dental Consultants Declare 7-Day Strike

Medical and Dental Consultants in Nigeria Begin 7-Day Warning Strike Over University Leadership Crisis, Other Demands

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) commenced a nationwide seven-day warning strike on Monday, November 18, 2024. The action follows the Nigerian government’s failure to address key demands, including resolving the vice-chancellorship crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), and other pressing issues.

The decision was taken during an Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on November 11, 2024, where members reviewed the government’s response to a 21-day ultimatum. In a communiqué signed by MDCAN President, Prof. Mohammad Aminu Mohammad, and Secretary General, Prof. Daiyabu Alhaji Ibrahim, members were instructed to withdraw services nationwide.

Key Issues Raised

The MDCAN outlined its grievances in the communiqué, including:

1. Leadership Crisis at UNIZIK:

– The NEC condemned the actions of the university’s Governing Council Chairman, citing “reckless disregard for due process” in appointing a Vice-Chancellor despite government directives halting the process.

– The MDCAN demanded the immediate removal of the chairman and enforcement of the Ministry of Education’s directive nullifying any appointments made during the process.

2. Retirement Age for Medical Consultants:

– The association called for the harmonization of the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years to address manpower shortages in training, research, and healthcare services.

3. Implementation of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS):

– The MDCAN demanded the universal application of CONMESS for clinical lecturers across Nigerian universities to address disparities in emoluments, entry-level positions, and pension contributions.

4. Outstanding Allowances:

– Payment of outstanding Clinical Duty Allowance arrears for 2023 and 2024.

– Settlement of 2023 25%/35% CONMESS arrears.

Strike Duration and Next Steps

The warning strike, which began at midnight on November 18, will last until midnight on Sunday, November 24, 2024. All services rendered by MDCAN members in Nigerian universities and hospitals are suspended during this period.

The NEC announced plans to reconvene on November 24 at 8:00 PM to reassess the government’s progress and decide on further actions.

The MDCAN also proposed adopting a standardized advertisement template for Vice-Chancellor positions, suggesting the recent model used by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as a reference.

This strike underscores the growing unrest in Nigeria’s healthcare and academic sectors over unresolved governance and systemic issues.