The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has clarified the reasons behind its ongoing nationwide strike, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address key demands.
Dr. Samuel Emdin, Chairman of MDCAN at the Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, disclosed the details during a press briefing on Wednesday. He read a statement signed by MDCAN National President Dr. Mohammad Aminu Mohammad and Secretary Prof. Daiyabu Alhaji Ibrahim, highlighting the grievances that led to the industrial action.
Root Causes of the Strike
Dr. Emdin stated that the conflict began after the National Executive Council (NEC) of MDCAN held an extraordinary meeting where members observed what they described as “reckless disregard for due process” by the Governing Council Chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The issue revolved around alleged misconduct regarding the appointment of the university’s Vice Chancellor. Despite directives from the Ministry of Education to nullify related appointments, the Governing Council Chairman reportedly defied orders.
MDCAN’s Demands
The association outlined its primary demands as follows:
- Immediate Action Against Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s Governing Council Chairman
MDCAN called for the immediate dismissal of the Governing Council Chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for insubordination, urging the Federal Government to enforce the Ministry of Education’s directive nullifying any appointments made in defiance of the ministry’s order. - Standardized Advertisements for Vice Chancellor Appointments
MDCAN requested the development of a universal prototype for advertising Vice Chancellor positions across federal institutions, proposing that the recent advertisement issued by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, serve as a model. - Harmonization of Retirement Age
The association demanded that the retirement age for medical consultants be standardized at 70 years across the board. - Equitable Salary Structures for Medical Lecturers
MDCAN advocated for the alignment of medical lecturers’ salaries with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to ensure fair compensation for medical and dental officers nationwide. - Payment of Allowance Arrears
The body emphasized the need for the Federal Government to settle outstanding Clinical Duty Allowance arrears for 2023 and 2024, as well as the 25% and 35% CONMESS arrears for 2023.
Strike to Continue Pending Resolution
Dr. Emdin stated that MDCAN’s NEC will reconvene on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. to reassess the progress made on these demands.
“The association remains resolute in its call for justice and fairness in the handling of issues affecting its members,” he said, adding that failure to meet the demands could result in an escalation of the strike.
Impact and Next Steps
The nationwide strike has raised concerns about disruptions to healthcare services and medical education. Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to engage with MDCAN promptly to avert a prolonged crisis.
This development underscores ongoing tensions between professional bodies and the government over labor conditions, with MDCAN standing firm on its demands for systemic reforms and respect for due process.
