By DAYO ADESULU
- MDCAN Welcomes Government’s Action
- Key Demands Fueling the Strike
- Tinubu’s Sweeping Reforms Across Federal Universities
MDCAN Welcomes Government’s Action
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has praised President Bola Tinubu for dismissing Professor Bernard Odoh, Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, and Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike, the university’s registrar. The move follows allegations of improper appointments and governance lapses.
Despite this development, MDCAN announced that its ongoing seven-day warning strike will continue until its National Executive Council (NEC) convenes on Friday to deliberate on the next course of action.
Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, MDCAN’s National President, expressed optimism, stating, “We are pleased that one of our demands has been met. It’s a step in the right direction, but we will await NEC’s decision.”
The association revealed ongoing engagements with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Senate Committee on Health, as part of efforts to resolve their grievances.
Key Demands Fueling the Strike
MDCAN’s warning strike, which began on Monday, has disrupted medical services in 83 health facilities and 64 medical schools nationwide. The association’s demands include:
- The removal of NAU’s Vice-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman for flouting due process in appointments.
- Harmonization of the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years.
- Equal application of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) across all medical and dental officers.
- Payment of arrears for the 2023 and 2024 Clinical Duty Allowance and 25%/35% CONMESS increases.
The association had also protested the exclusion of medical professionals from leadership positions in academia.
Tinubu’s Sweeping Reforms Across Federal Universities
On Wednesday, President Tinubu dissolved NAU’s governing council, citing “gross breaches of university laws.” A statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the decision addressed mounting tensions within the institution.
The council, led by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, was accused of appointing an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, leading to widespread unrest. Tinubu also dismissed Ohieku Salami, Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, over similar governance lapses.
Further, the President approved a reshuffle of Pro-Chancellors for the Federal Universities in Oye-Ekiti and Lokoja to ensure impartiality and promote national integration. Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba will now oversee FUOYE, while Kayode Ojo will assume leadership at Federal University, Lokoja.
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and diversity in university governance, urging council members to prioritize the smooth operation of academic activities.
